a multimedia project created by Perpich Center for Arts Education under the auspices of the Learning Innovations Council with funding from the University of Minnesota and MnSCU
A key piece in understanding dance as an art form is perceiving the elements of dance, which are defined in the Minnesota Arts Standards as Body, Action, Space, Time and Energy. The Perpich Center has created a new online resource on The Elements of Dance for educators, teaching artists and students. Access to the site is free; no login or registration is required.
The Elements of Dance is a multimedia online resource in which participants interact with specific dance learning objects and practice critical thinking skills while learning about the elements of dance. The video exemplars show work by outstanding Minnesota choreographers and dance companies:
Teachers and teaching artists may use The Elements of Dance into their face-to-face work with students, and the Toolkit link on the home page provides more guidance about using this online resource as part of a course.
Students may also use this web site for self-directed work. In addition to journal and essay prompts, the site includes downloadable tools and worksheets for student use. While aimed primarily at middle and high school students, the content and tools are also appropriate for college students who are new to dance or taking courses in dance appreciation and dance pedagogy.
Date Created: June 2009 (draft)
This version was presented at the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) annual conference and currently under revison based on feedback from the session participants. Thanks to NDEO for providing opportunities for dance educators to share our expertise, questions and discoveries with each other in the annual conferences.
Project Coordinator & Online Builder: Diane Aldis Dance Education Coordinator, Perpich Center