Teaching Collaborative Skills through Dance: Isolating the Parts to Strengthen the Whole

Abstract

Collaboration is inherently part of many dance pedagogies, dance practices, and dance careers, which is why dance students are frequently required to work and learn together in the dance studio and classroom. Outside of dance, in a variety of disciplines, the ability to collaborate is prized as a highly valuable competency, and the facility to collaborate in diverse roles is key to a successful career in the 21st century. This article posits that explicitly teaching collaborative skills within dance classes can better prepare students for success outside of the academy, regardless of their career choices. Suggestions regarding new teaching strategies, specifically for improvisation, choreography, and creative practices classes, which specifically foster proficiency in collaboration, are offered.