Dance
Dance in the UK is in a time of unprecedented growth and this is both reflected by and initiated by developments in the HE sector. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) reported on the growing popularity of dance in 2004, and set out a government strategy for its development. Recent national developments have included the establishment of a DCMS Dance Forum and Dance UK’s Dance Manifesto (2006). These bodies, along with Arts Council England (ACE) have encouraged us to look afresh at the national scene.
British dance in the UK has seen a most significant growth in every respect over the last few years. This growth has contributed to the national picture in a number of ways. There are more people wishing to study dance at universities, conservatoires and colleges then ever before. The subject has recently been reported in the Times Higher Education Supplement as having the sixth most rapid growth of all HE subjects. Dance courses at higher education level, especially BA courses, continue to grow in number, being offered by 80 different institutions across the country. More universities than ever offer dance as a degree subject. The dance in HE sector has had a good reputation since its inception. In 2005 this was further recognised when no less than three of the seventy-four Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETLs) were awarded to projects that included Dance.
Teaching and learning in dance in HE has shown developments over the past few years that have contributed to both the development of dance and the development of the sector. There has been significant development in the use of reflective practice and curriculum innovation with major projects in both. Recently, there has been a growing interest in the applicability of ‘somatic’ approaches to dance teaching and the way in which dance history is taught. In 2006 major research was undertaken into dance and employability, culminating in a conference (2006) and a major national report for the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) (2007). The research encapsulates not just the growth in the sector but changing ideas of what dance can be, how it is taught and how young people can be equipped to find diverse and exciting careers. Current research into teaching and learning in dance in HE includes projects on dance technique, the uses of new media and dance, further research into dance history, the relationships between dance in FE and HE.
Dance in higher education is a growth area and a leader in innovatory approaches. Over the next two years many current developments will come to fruition. There will be a major international conference on dance pedagogy and research in 2009. PALATINE is closely involved with the developments in teaching and learning mentioned here, and with the national bodies that support dance. It’s a very exciting time to be involved with dance.