How Children Learn Dance, Kindergarten-Grade 4 Children in
kindergarten to grade four love to move and learn through
engagement of the whole self. They need to become literate in
the language of dance in order to use this natural facility as a
means of communication and self-expression, and as a way of
responding to the expression of others. Dancing and creating
dances provide them with skills and knowledge necessary for all
future learning in dance and give them a way to celebrate their
humanity. Dance education begins with an awareness of the
movement of the body and its creative potential. At this level,
students become engaged in body awareness and movement
exploration that promote a recognition and appreciation of self
and others. Students learn basic movement and choreographic
skills in musical and rhythmic contexts. The skills and
knowledge acquired allow them to begin working independently and
with a partner in creating and performing dances. Experiences in
perceiving and responding to dance expand st