Dance as an art form, encourages artistic creativity and the active use of the imagination, and provides a unique way in which to view the world in which we live. The intrinsic values offered by dance have been well researched and documented and form an important positive contribution to a young life, imparting such life skills as personal responsibility, self knowledge, teamwork, self-discipline, confidence, creativity, the ability to problem solve and a flexible approach to learning and life. We would strongly encourage students to take part in a dance programme during their school years, as an important part of their physical and aesthetic education curriculum.

Perhaps more than any other human activity, dance encompasses one’s intellect, physicality, emotions and spirituality, enabling total involvement and personal growth for the individual. As a physical activity, dance develops body and spatial awareness and the kinaesthetic sense and increases co-ordination, flexibility, strength, endurance and rhythmic understanding. Furthermore, one’s involvement in dance activities will aid in personal development in the areas of self esteem, confidence, concentration, social awareness, communication and management skills, as well as the ability to organise, analyse and evaluate. It will increase aesthetic sensibilities and serve to develop a critical and informed appreciation of a variety of art forms, helping to nurture the audiences of the future.

Dance involvement provides the opportunity for practical and theoretical study of dance as an art form at a higher level. Embracing the premise that dance is a creative medium of expression and a highly technical physical discipline, it seeks to develop the student’s ability to create, to perform and to appreciate dance within its historical and multicultural contexts. While the study of dance will develop the students’ interest in becoming future practitioners within dance related fields, the overall purpose will be to produce individuals who are imaginative, confident and communicative and who enjoy a heightened awareness of themselves and the world that surrounds them.