The Tertiary Dance Council of Australia (TDCA) is advocating for dance education and its role in society at all educational levels, from early childhood through to tertiary education and beyond.
By examining these connections and making them visible, we advocate for a more integrated, holistic approach to dance education policy and practice.
Just as the full picture emerges when dots are joined visually, the true value of dance education becomes apparent when we connect its impacts across social, emotional, cognitive, cultural, therapeutic, and professional domains.
In this paper, entitled Joining the Dots: Advocating for the Role of Education Across All Sectors of the Dance Community, the TDCA presents comprehensive evidence demonstrating the significant positive impacts of dance education across mutiple domains of Australian society.
Drawing on a substantial body of international and Australian research, we establish that dance education enhances socio-emotional competence and critical thinking skills in children and adolescents, providing them with essential tools for personal development and academic success.
Dance education improves mental health outcomes and general wellbeing across various demographics, offering therapeutic benefits that address contemporary health challenges. Additionally, dance provides unique cultural and healing benefits for First Nations communities, supporting cultural continuity and addressing intergenerational trauma.
—Dr Peter Cook, USQ
Chair, TDCA