It’s National Arts in Education Week! National Arts in Education Week, celebrated from September 8-14, is a national recognition of the transformative power of the arts in education. It was designated by Congress in 2010 through House Resolution 275 to bring attention to the importance of arts education for students, educators, and communities.
This week offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the critical role that arts, including dance, play in the development of students across the country. It also gives us a chance to advocate for continued and expanded access to these programs, especially for those students who might not have these opportunities otherwise.
Dance as a Vital Component of Arts Education
As a dance educator, I’ve witnessed how dance can completely change the way students approach learning. In public schools, dance is often seen as an outlet for creativity, movement, and physical fitness, but it’s so much more. Dance teaches students how to express emotions through movement, collaborate with others, and develop discipline through consistent practice. It provides a kinesthetic learning experience that complements traditional academic subjects.
In private studios, the focus may shift more towards technique and performance, but the benefits are equally important. Private studio training allows students to delve deeper into the world of dance, whether it’s ballet, contemporary, jazz, or hip-hop, and develop a sense of mastery in their chosen styles. Whether a student is pursuing dance for personal fulfillment or aiming for a professional career, they’re learning essential life skills: perseverance, self-expression, and resilience.
Why National Arts in Education Week Matters
The arts are an essential part of a complete education, no matter if it happens in the home, school, or community. Students of all ages—from kindergarten to college and even creative aging programs—benefit from artistic learning, innovative thinking, and creativity. During National Arts in Education Week, we celebrate this impact and share the message with friends, family, and the larger community.
Organizations like the National Art Education Association and Americans for the Arts have long advocated for the arts to be recognized as a core component of education. This week, we remind educational decision-makers and elected officials of the importance of equitable access to the arts for all students, regardless of their background.
How You Can Celebrate National Arts in Education Week
Whether you are a student, educator, parent, or principal, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the arts in education this week! Here are some ideas to get started:
Showcase Student Work
Whether you’re in a school or private studio, host a performance or create a digital showcase to highlight your students’ work in dance. Let the community see how the arts are shaping young minds and bodies!
Join the Conversation Online
Use social media to share your personal stories and advocate for dance education using the hashtag #BecauseOfArtsEd. Show how dance has impacted you or your students and encourage others to support arts programs in their schools.
Attend a Free Webinar
The Arts Education Alliance is kicking off the celebration on September 10 with a free webinar where dance educators can learn about actions they can take to make their voices heard at the federal and state levels. Register now and learn how to be part of the advocacy movement for arts in education.
Collaborate Across Disciplines
If you teach in a public school, consider collaborating with music, theater, or visual arts educators to create an interdisciplinary project. Showing how the arts can come together to tell a story or convey a theme is a powerful way to engage students and the broader community.
The Lasting Impact of Dance
As educators, we know that the lessons learned in the dance studio or classroom extend far beyond the performance stage. Dance teaches students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and persevere through challenges. In a time when the arts are often the first programs to face budget cuts, National Arts in Education Week serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and expanding these opportunities for all students.
To continue the conversation about arts education, check out some of the other resources on my blog: Tips for Beginner Dance Teachers, How to Choose the Right Dance Studio, and Ultimate List of Everything You Need for a New Dance Season.
And don’t forget to subscribe to our mailing list to stay updated on everything dance education, from tips for teachers to advocacy updates. Together, we can continue to champion the importance of dance in education!
Happy Dancing,
Taylor
[email protected]
[…] Previous ArticleNational Arts in Education Week […]