Dance Education offers children a chance to move to a different beat

University of Alabama students in the department of theatre and dance spent five weeks of the spring semester introducing Tuscaloosa City Schools’ first graders to the art of dance, as part of a cooperative effort with Creative Campus Initiative.

Under the guidance of dance professor Sarah Barry, the students have traveled to Arcadia and Oakdale elementary schools for two sessions per week with each of three physical education classes. The program culminated with final performances at each school April 30 and May 1.

The goal of this outreach program, said Creative Campus Director Scott Bridges, is to offer the children "a chance to learn about dance and how to creatively interact with the space around them."

By introducing students to different ways of moving and diverse movement concepts, Barry said the program builds on the existing physical education curriculum.

"We think it is so important for children to be able to move and expand their physical knowledge and practice," Barry said. "In addition to dance movement, students also experience creative problem solving, team work and collaboration, and discipline which can help them in any area of their lives."

Creative Campus and the UA theatre and dance department began the dance education program during the spring of 2007. A grant from Target Corporation has helped the program to expand the number of teachers and order much needed supplies.

With increasing support from campus and community, the program looks for continued growth and success in 2009.