Getting dance into the Australian Curriculum

We want dance part of every young person's education. The current popularity of dance with young people, evidenced by rocketing attendance at dance classes in studios across Australia, offers huge potential for developing creativity and innovation across the curriculum. The opportunity is huge for dance to be a valued part of every person’s education, offering creative, healthy and stimulating experiences for all Australians throughout their lives.

Dance contribtes to an arts-rich education

A policy that recognises the value of dance education for all will benefit not only the individual, but the whole dance industry. It will build audiences and advocates for dance, and help to identify students who want a career in dance as performers, choreographers, teachers, producers or administrators. It will create participation and access programs for young people in, through and about dance.

Personal benefits include healthy lifestyles, communications skills and self-esteem.

The Arts have been identified as an essential component of the school curriculum by the Cultural Ministers Council and the Ministerial Council for Education Employment and Youth Affairs. Their 2007 National Education and the Arts Statement said:

… A growing body of international and Australian research demonstrates the multiple benefits of an arts-rich education from an early age. Over and above the obvious development of individual creativity and self-expression, school-based arts participation can increase learners’ confidence and motivation, thereby improving school attendance rates, academic outcomes and the wellbeing and life skills of children and young people. (p.4).