Leaping into Dance Literacy through the Language of Dance®

Dance-based dance literacy using a constructivist approach supports creativity and learning. Examples of applications of dance notation with dancers of all ages and the associated benefits are demonstrated using model activities supported by research outcomes, lesson plans, choreographic explorations, learning taxonomies. 110 b&w illus.

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The main aim of this book is to present the theory and purpose underpinning the approaches to dance literacy as explored by the Language of Dance® community in the USA and UK. Through their teacher training programs, they are changing the face of dance-based dance literacy using motif notation.



Through their teacher training programs, they are changing the face of dance-based dance literacy using motif notation. This book reveals how dance notation literacy has changed due to practices being focused on constructivist and constructionist pedagogy. Based on work by dance educator Ann Hutchinson Guest and expanded upon by her protégés, this is the first book of its kind to bring together theory, praxis, original research outcomes, taxonomies, model lesson plans, learning domain taxonomies of dance, and voices of dance teachers who have explored using dance notation literacy. We are in a new era for educating with dance notation, focusing on learners’ engagement by making connections between the learning domains using constructivist and constructionist learning approaches.



Arts-literate dancers can deepen their dance craft and transfer their arts knowledge, capacities, and skills to lifelong learning. Dance-based dance literacy practices using notation enhance learners’ flexibility, adaptability, self-direction, initiative, productivity, responsibility, leadership, and cross-cultural skills. 



The book will appeal to dance educators focusing on cognitive and metacognitive learning in dance using communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking.



Useful for preschool and primary teachers aiming to integrate dance into classroom experiences and for secondary teachers teaching dance and looking to upgrade their approach to dance literacy so students are able to achieve higher level cognitive learning, problem solving, and social skills in dance classrooms.



Choreographers and dance teachers will find new approaches to dance making and to expressing their craft using a system that is well codified and now augmented with examples to guide them with making their own projects and processes.



Anyone with an interest in the idea of dance literacy will find concrete examples of how to put their knowledge into practice to advance their teaching and dance making.