9. Theories for Dance

Guiding Theories in Dance Education

In this post, I will discuss two main theories that have influenced the way my colleagues and I had planned our dance lesson activities for our class. In addition, I plan to use these theories as a both a reference and guiding point for when I integrate dance into other curriculum areas.

• The Laban Movement Theory

Rudolph Laban viewed movement as the processes in which the body is used for communication. He stated that movement is part of a holistic and intertwined connection between the mind, body and spirit. And with that, one moves in a subconscious effort to externalize inner motivations for movement. 

The theory can be dissected into three areas that are as follows: how one moves, what one moves and where does one move. Furthermore, Laban describes that creative dance is made up of four elements that are: the body, relationship, space and effort.

Additionally, Laban described how exactly movement could occurs and identified these movements into four parts:

1. direction
2. weight
3. speed
4. flow

An example of Laban's effort movements are displayed below:

                                Source: http://www.bayfestyouththeatre.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Laban-Effort-Shapes.png

Laban's theory is important for dance because students are able to use the creative process and express their thoughts between the mind, body and soul through these movements. Students can in turn analyze what movements work for the different messages they are trying to convey, using their bodies. They could also figure out how to express their thoughts by viewing elements of dance cards, for example. *I will elaborate on this concept in post 10!

• Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner classifies intelligence and abilities into nine possible areas. These area are musical, verbal linguistic, intrapersonal, mathematical-logical, visual-spatial, musical, interpersonal, bodily/kinaesthetic and existential.

Source: https://blog.adioma.com/9-types-of-intelligence-infographic/

Educators could use this theory as a guiding point to differentiate to all learners in the classroom and more importantly, create lessons that are designed by the Universal Design for Learning. This theory is another way where the needs of learners can be met and classrooms could be inclusive and positive spaces. Dance is where multiple intelligences could definitely be integrated in. Students could take creative risks and undergo the creative process to convey messages in way where they feel comfortable. Students could also contribute to the creative process with other group members using their own multiple intelligences, to thus give groups perspective and new ideas.

Source: 
https://steemit.com/steemiteducation/@deisip67/multiple-intelligences-in-our-students