Power, service, and reflexivity in a community dance project.
- UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Jill I. Green, Professor and Director of Graduate Studies (Creator)
- Institution
- The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
- Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Abstract: This pilot qualitative research project investigated the meaning and value of a community-based dance education programme in the United States. The programme was designed to provide a targeted group of „at-risk? children, ages 9–13, with the opportunity to participate in an intensive summer workshop in dance. Twenty-three young people participated in the programme. All participants were girls. The purpose of the programme was to involve the students in the study of dance, involving both the discipline of dance technique and the creative possibilities in choreography.
Diverse data sources included student and parent interviews, teacher/mentor journals, and researcher field notes. Two group interviews were conducted with five groups of two to five students. Interviews were also conducted with the mothers of six students and the mother and father of one student. Findings pointed to an increased interest in dance for the young people as well as an increased respect for their potential to accomplish goals through hard work and cooperation with others. However, a number of problems and issues surfaced. For example, flexibility was a particular concern when dealing with the difficult lives of the participants; students did not necessarily show up for class or attend to what was requested by their teacher/mentors (university students). There were more pressing survival issues in their lives. Power concerns became prominent as the programme facilitated a discussion of social issues and a challenge to think reflectively about whose needs the programme served. As a result, this investigation pointed to a call for multicultural learning by the directors of the programme and the university students, as well as the need for service to the community.
Power, service, and reflexivity in a community dance project.
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Created on 1/1/2000
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Research in Dance Education, 1(1), 53-67
- Language: English
- Date: 2000
- Keywords
- Community-based dance education programme, Dance, Pilot qualitative research project