Why is Studying the Background to the Dance Genre Important?

Dance history is often featured within dance diplomas and degree courses. However, a recent hot topic for discussion has been the need for dance teachers to be knowledgeable in the background to the genres they teach.

Past ISTD qualifications offered teachers the chance to study History and the Development of Western Dance as examinations separate to their teaching qualifications. The ISTD now offers teachers the opportunity to research and write about a particular person, company, aspect of style or historical period that has influenced their chosen genres, within the Foundation in Dance Instruction (FDI) and Certificate in Dance Education (CDE). This research allows the student a chance to discover the rich histories of the dancing world rather than following set syllabi covering genres that are not specifically related to their chosen dance style

People have many different reasons behind wanting to study the past, from a curiosity about what came before, to wanting to learn from mistakes or to find new ways to develop, yet can be put off by the thought of the stereotypical history lesson full of facts about kings and queens. Dance is in a unique position as the history of dance is not only contained within the pages of the history books, it is inherent in every step that is performed, every choreography that is made and every performance that we watch

If we look at the development of dance we can trace different styles which have been brought to the dance form by new choreographers, innovative dancers or by mixing dance genres. It is these developments which have made the dance genres we teach what they are today; it is a moving history.

The benefits of a teacher widening their knowledge in the background to their dance genre can be numerous for their students. Whatever the age of the students, they are there to learn, and will often question why movements are performed in a certain way; why a ballet class starts at a barre, why the man leads in a Tango or why a Kathak dancer spins to the left. It is only through expanding background knowledge of our dance genres that these questions can be answered or debated

Dance has sometimes been known as the ‘illiterate’ art form, however this is not the case and this myth does not need to be continued. Although many people get involved in dance due to the art form’s use of the body for expression, this does not mean that the mind is not constantly working in order for dancers to develop and acquire more skills. A knowledgeable teacher can help students start to take an interest in their passion outside of the studio, creating dancers and future teachers who have sound understanding in the background of their profession.