Dance and the quality of life at schools: A Nordic affiliation

Abstract

This chapter addresses how dance can foster quality of life at schools. We discuss dance as embodied learning, a topic explored previously as individuals, and introduce Martha Nussbaum and Amartya Sen’s “capability approach” into dance education research. We argue that these theoretical perspectives give depth to the often-claimed educational value of dance, and afford understanding of conditions related to dance and quality of life. The chapter presents insights from ongoing dance education research projects in Nordic public schools, drawing on qualitative data from a 5-year dance education project in Finland and a 1-year pilot study, DanceMath, in Denmark. Our collaborative analysis suggests that dance can generate a positive ethos that enhances quality of life at schools. The chapter concludes with critical reflection on how the capabilities generated by dance as embodied learning might extend beyond subject areas and beyond the school world. These capabilities are related to being together and living together, to accepting oneself and others, to creativity and collaboration, all skills that can enhance quality of life at schools.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDance and the Quality of Life
EditorsKaren Bond
Number of pages19
Place of PublicationCham, Switzerland
PublisherSpringer
Publication date2019
Pages327-345
Chapter19
ISBN (Print)978-3-319-95698-5
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-319-95699-2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019
SeriesSocial Indicators Research Series
Volume73
ISSN1387-6570

Keywords

  • Faculty of Science
  • Dance
  • Quality of life
  • School children
  • Dance education
  • Dance as embodied learning
  • Young people
  • Children

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