Dance and Cross Curricular Learning: How dance as a physical, creative practice can assist learning in Art and Design Academic Subjects in Key Stage 3. / Federica Sorrentino (2024)

This research project examines the integration of dance as an embodied learning tool within the Key Stage 3 (KS3) Art and Design curriculum, with a particular focus on the teaching of colour theory. The project aimed to develop a KS3 Unit of Work as a means of investigating the potential of movement as a tool for enhancing students’ understanding of abstract concepts, while fostering creativity, collaboration, and emotional expression. The implementation of a structured unit of work and a series of workshops involving professional dance students has yielded important findings. These indicate that the use of dance has a marked effect on students’ comprehension of colour theory, increasing engagement and promoting essential skills such as teamwork and communication. The findings of the study indicate that this Unit of Work has the potential to enhance comprehension of complex concepts when they employ kinesthetics to conceptualise colour. Furthermore, the collaborative nature of the exercises fosters a sense of community and enhances peer relationships. However, the presence of obstacles, such as fluctuating student confidence and practical limitations, underscores the necessity for meticulous preparation and the implementation of differentiated instructional strategies.