Teacher Training Programme

Each learning unit is designed to be comprised of underpinning & applied theory, dance, discussion and sharing, as fitted to the theme. Completing tasks and homework for each module is a requirement for final certification. Day workshop attendance will be required for some modules. Later, in-house weekends will include teaching practice.

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A Breakdown of the Learning units, group sessions, workshop & weekends:

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Module 1: Becoming a teacher, an introduction 

• The Purpose, Principles and Aims of Dance Connection.

• A Brief History of Dance.

• The Language of Dance Connection.

• Reflection of your own dance journey as basis for becoming an embodied teacher.

• Student group collaboration: self-organised session. 

• 2 x 3-hour group sessions with a Dance Connection teacher

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Module 2: Dance & Movement - Physiology and Categorisation of Movement

• The Physiology of Movement

• Laban's 8 Efforts.

• Laban's Categorisation of Movement.

• Observation exercises.

• Self-reflection on your own dance and movement. 

• Student group collaboration: self-organised discussion session.

• 2 x 3-hour group sessions with a Dance Connection teacher

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Module 3: A Focus on Movement Education

• Psychology of Movement.

• Dance Language and Non-verbal Communication.

• Education not Therapy - the language and approach.

• Body-Mind Intelligence - actualisation of potential. 

• Student group collaboration: on-line or self-organised discussion. 

• 2 x 3-hour group sessions with a Dance Connection teacher 

 

Module 4: The Session

• The Educational methodology of Dance Connection.

• Understanding the session : components.

• Understanding the session: dances & movement exploration.

• Understanding marriage of music and dances

• Begin studying the dances and movement handout.

• Familiarise yourself with the basic music example set.

• Student group collaboration: self-organised discussion. 

• Dance day workshop - revisiting and practising dances and movement exploration, peer feedback and self-awareness; questions and discussion.

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Module 5: Music

• The Power of Music - the effects|: emotive capacity.

• Music - physical stimulus, rhythm and melody.

• Musical Semantics.

• Understanding and Identifying Genres.

• World Music.

• Familiarise yourself with selection 2 of music.

• Group work on music selection.

• Student group collaboration: self-organised discussion. 

• Dance Day Workshop: dancing and observing the effects and capacity of music; questions and discussion.

 

Module 6: Creating a Dance Connection Pathway

• Part 1. How to create sessions using the dances and music.

• Deepen your knowledge of the dances and movement handout.

• Familiarise yourself with selection 3 of music.

• Dance practice pathways - record and evaluate your experience.

• Create 2 x 1-hour dance pathways for Module 7.

• Student group collaboration: self-organised discussion & feedback - skill sharing.

• 2 x 3-hour group sessions with a Dance Connection teacher

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Module 7: Creating a Session

• Part 2. How to create sessions using the dances and music - length, type, etc.

• Familiarise yourself with selection 4 of music.

• Create a block of 6 pathways for a new class

• One to one , 1 hour, feedback session with tutor

• Student group collaboration: self-organised session. 

• Dance Day Workshop: working together; dancing pathways, discussion and questions. Reviewing and clarifying what we know - any gaps?

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Module 8: How to work with Dance Connection in varied contexts and environments

• DC in schools.

• DC in organisations

• DC in 1 to 1 sessions

• DC in dance breaks

• DC for on line sessions

• Explore example dance pathways - reflect on effects and suitability for different contexts and participants.

• Familiarise yourself with selection 5 of music.

• Group Dynamics - Conflicts & Tensions

• Student group collaboration: self-organised session - skill sharing.

•  2 x 3-hour group sessions with a Dance Connection teacher 

 

Module 9, 10 & 11, Weekend attendance: In-House Teaching Practice

• Lead a pathway with another student.

• Lead a solo pathway for beginners.

• Lead a solo pathway for experienced dancers.

• Lead a solo pathway for mixed capacity dancers.

• Lead a themed pathway.

• Create a pathway for online dancers - to be danced online.

• Self-reflection and self-appraisal.

• Feedback from your peers.

• Identify and work on any areas that need more time and focus.

• One to one feedback session with a Dance Connection Teacher.

• Choose a favourite dance and a favourite music choice for Module 12.

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Module 12, Weekend attendance: Completion of Teacher Training

• Dances of Endings.

• Dances of Celebration.

• Dances of Integration.

• Dancing Favourite Moments & Music of the Dance Journey.

• Working together - what next?

• The Dance Connection website - photo, headline, classes offered.

• Dance Connection Teacher annual membership.

• Continual Professional Development.

• Where do you fit in the community - commitment, pledge, and room for change?

• Feast & Ceremony of Completion and certification - Sunday afternoon: friends and family.

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All working qualified Dance Connection Teachers in the UK will be represented on the dance-connection-uk.com website and will be required to pay a nominal, annual membership fee.