Development of Modern Dance
The Development of Modern Dance in British Education
There were significant developments to the provision of dance in education post 1950. Modern dance was emerging as an important art form, both within schools and in vocational and teacher training colleges. In order to have an understanding of the developments in dance education in the era being studied (1965 – 1985), it is important to have some knowledge and understanding of the provision offered before this time.
1920’s/1930’s
* Dartington Hall – the first modern dance groups emerged (disappeared during war years) – see more detailed notes under Dartington Hall
1950’s
* There was a revival of classical ballet after the war years (with the general consensus being the need for the regeneration of national excellence in ballet). There was virtually no modern dance taking place in Britain at this time. This was in stark contrast to the developments that were taking place in America and in other parts of Europe (particularly Germany and Hungary) * Up until this point there was very little dance taught in schools, the only real experience being Maypole dance or Greek dance. Dance was introduced formally into State schools (primary and secondary) in the 1950’s, taught by PE teachers. PE teachers were trained to deliver dance in the Laban model (creative). It was child-centred, which meant that teachers would encourage pupils to come up with the movement, then help them develop it. The aim was to give pupils a ‘valid movement experience’ that was ‘life enhancing’ rather than just going through the motion of steps. * PE teacher training colleges such as IMMarsh, Dartford, Bedford had dance on the curriculum, based on the Laban model * Laban model gives tools for choreography, e.g. an understanding of space and force * The aim, throughout arts education at this time was to put pupils own ideas at the forefront of their creative experiences. * 1954: Martha Graham company comes to England –
There were significant developments to the provision of dance in education post 1950. Modern dance was emerging as an important art form, both within schools and in vocational and teacher training colleges. In order to have an understanding of the developments in dance education in the era being studied (1965 – 1985), it is important to have some knowledge and understanding of the provision offered before this time.
1920’s/1930’s
* Dartington Hall – the first modern dance groups emerged (disappeared during war years) – see more detailed notes under Dartington Hall
1950’s
* There was a revival of classical ballet after the war years (with the general consensus being the need for the regeneration of national excellence in ballet). There was virtually no modern dance taking place in Britain at this time. This was in stark contrast to the developments that were taking place in America and in other parts of Europe (particularly Germany and Hungary) * Up until this point there was very little dance taught in schools, the only real experience being Maypole dance or Greek dance. Dance was introduced formally into State schools (primary and secondary) in the 1950’s, taught by PE teachers. PE teachers were trained to deliver dance in the Laban model (creative). It was child-centred, which meant that teachers would encourage pupils to come up with the movement, then help them develop it. The aim was to give pupils a ‘valid movement experience’ that was ‘life enhancing’ rather than just going through the motion of steps. * PE teacher training colleges such as IMMarsh, Dartford, Bedford had dance on the curriculum, based on the Laban model * Laban model gives tools for choreography, e.g. an understanding of space and force * The aim, throughout arts education at this time was to put pupils own ideas at the forefront of their creative experiences. * 1954: Martha Graham company comes to England –