Scheduled for Sociocultural Aspects of Physical Activity/Dance Free Communications, Thursday, April 11, 2002, 8:45 AM - 10:00 AM, San Diego Convention Center: Room 7A


Dance: Enhancing Ethnographic Intercultural Studies of Various Diversity Groups

Diane Wawrejko Cochran, University of Texas - Pan American, Edinburg, TX

This presentation focuses on the use of dance as an ethnographical tool to introduce various diverse cultures into a style that is informative, exciting, and memorable. The kinesthetic aspect reinforces learning outcomes and also relies on the visual and audio components for learning objectives. Practical application is introduced and learning through the kinesthetic sense is demonstrated. Use of visual aids strongly reinforces the material, and lectures based on history, culture, and dance and sometimes other art forms are presented in an easy-to-follow format. The experience culminates in a game-playing activity which assesses student comprehension while reinforcing learning objectives. For example, as a dance artist formerly in the public schools throughout Chicago’s inner city, African-Caribbean-Brazilian was successfully used in classrooms that impacted thousands of at-risk minority children during the 1990’s. A brief history of the African presence in this country was discussed, several pictures shown of life in some African villages, and a dance was taught which combined their roots into the present culture. Stories from African cultures were told, and the particular musical form was listened. Students and teachers take great delight and pride in the ownership of these dances which transcend culture to culture. These dance experiences were tied into the social studies or other curriculum or as an enhancement thereof. Quite often, these experiences culminated in a performance for the school and/or the community which fostered self-pride in accomplishment.
Keyword(s): dance education, multiculturalism/cultural diversity

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