1. Anatomy
The anatomy unit introduces the dance teacher to the key topics of the study of the human body. The dance teacher will review the types of bone found in the body and how the muscles, ligaments, tendons and tissues relate and/or pull on these bones to make movement. Teachers will study the muscles and common injuries associated with each body section. Questions about articular surface impingements and injury prevention will be in the forefront of group discussions.
2. Pedagogy
Pedagogy is the study of the teaching science and education. The pedagogy unit will explore teaching strategies and educational practices as they relate to the dance studio professional.
3. Dance History
The dance history unit is taught in a collaborative approach. The history of dance will be reviewed and presented in small groups. Keystone figures in the history of dance will be introduced and appreciated for their contributions ot the dance community.
4. Standards
Standards and professional practice will be reviewed and addressed. Topics such as payment, wages, safety protocal, emergency evacuation and teaching contracts will be assesed.
5. Choreography
The Laban notation for choreographic content will be introduced. Dance Teachers will explore choreographic concepts with partners and create short works utilizing the tools introduced in the lessons. Choreography will be reviewed and critiqued in a supportive encouraging environment.
6. Nutrition
Nutrition will be assessed as it applies to dance sciences. Nutritional breakdown in the caloric content of foods will be reviewed and online application tools will be introduced to serve dance teachers as a means of educating students on best nutrition practices for peak performance. Nutritional assesments and intervention plans will be discussed in a supportive environment.
7. Skills Acquisition
The skill aquisition unit will introduce the scientific methedology around the introduction of dance skills. How does the brain work when learning new skills? How much information can the dancer process at one time? What is the attentional capacity for dancers to focus on their training in one day? How can we break skills down into phases and utilize what we know about acceleration as it applies to injury prevetion.
8. Additional Docs
There are several additional resource documents available for dance educators in the IDTS program including: Costume design forms, Injury report form, Designing your lesson plan, lesson plan templates, goal setting worksheets, Choreography cleaning worksheets, Dancer assessment forms, Fitness assessment forms, Exercise guidelines, Postural assessment forms, Mental skills asssesment form, Recital planning, Recital themes, Recital volunteer planning, Lighting design sheets, Classroom management code of conduct.
9. Contracts
Example contracts for the dance teacher will be reviewed.
10. Audition Preparation
Audition preparations will be discussed, how can you help dancers plan for their professional career?
11. Lesson Plans
Lesson plans will be reviewed and integrated into mini lessons. Several lesson plan templates are available in the additional resource section.
12. Injury Reports
Injury report forms are available in the additional resource section.