The Four Emphasized Areas of Art in Education
The Four Emphasized Areas of Art in Education
The National Summary Statement summarizes what every young American should know and be able to do in the arts. It is focused on four areas of emphasis: dance, music, theatre and visual arts. The scope of the summary statement is grades K-12 and speaks to both content and achievement. (National Standards for Arts Education) In this essay I will first describe the four areas of emphasis in art education and then provide recommendations of how the four areas of emphasis could be taught based on current research studies and theoretical constructs related to art.
Wikipedia defines dance as an “art form that refers to body movement, usually rhythmic and to music”. Dance can be used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting. The evolution of dance runs deep into history and while it is hard to find the first instance of dance, we know it certainly has been an important part of many cultures for a long time. Dance has been used in ceremonies, rituals, celebration and entertainment since the earliest existence of cultures and societies. Dance does not stop with humanity as many animals have their own form of “dance” as a way of communication. Humans can also use dance as a non-verbal way to communicate. In fact, dance has a broad range of its level of participation. It can be participatory, social, performed, ceremonial, competitive or erotic. A few sports incorporate the elements of dance such as ice skating, gymnastics, etc. Since dance has such a broad range of purpose and participation, the movements can be without significance or be specific to a gesture. Dance can express or embody ideas, emotions or even tell a story. The definition of dance definitely depends on the social, culture and moral constraints of a society or even individuals. One thing that is certain is that music and dance were created and performed together. Throughout the ages and
The National Summary Statement summarizes what every young American should know and be able to do in the arts. It is focused on four areas of emphasis: dance, music, theatre and visual arts. The scope of the summary statement is grades K-12 and speaks to both content and achievement. (National Standards for Arts Education) In this essay I will first describe the four areas of emphasis in art education and then provide recommendations of how the four areas of emphasis could be taught based on current research studies and theoretical constructs related to art.
Wikipedia defines dance as an “art form that refers to body movement, usually rhythmic and to music”. Dance can be used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting. The evolution of dance runs deep into history and while it is hard to find the first instance of dance, we know it certainly has been an important part of many cultures for a long time. Dance has been used in ceremonies, rituals, celebration and entertainment since the earliest existence of cultures and societies. Dance does not stop with humanity as many animals have their own form of “dance” as a way of communication. Humans can also use dance as a non-verbal way to communicate. In fact, dance has a broad range of its level of participation. It can be participatory, social, performed, ceremonial, competitive or erotic. A few sports incorporate the elements of dance such as ice skating, gymnastics, etc. Since dance has such a broad range of purpose and participation, the movements can be without significance or be specific to a gesture. Dance can express or embody ideas, emotions or even tell a story. The definition of dance definitely depends on the social, culture and moral constraints of a society or even individuals. One thing that is certain is that music and dance were created and performed together. Throughout the ages and
Cited: Cone, T. P., & Cone, S. (2005) Teaching Children Dance 2nd. Edition Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, Inc. Smith, F. (2009). Why arts Education Is Crucial, and Who’s Doing It Best. www.edutopia.org. Retrieved from http://www.edutpoia.org/arts-music-curriculum-child-development.