Dance is an important art form for adolescents, growing into their bodies and vision of the world. By emphasizing the poetic and symbolic aspects of the body, dance encourages students to explore reality through their senses. It also provides them with an opportunity to express their emotions, ideas, aspirations, dreams and personal world-view as they create, perform and appreciate dances.

Dance Competencies - Secondary

Competency 3: Appreciates dances

The act of appreciation is one of examining and reflecting on a work, whether it is one's own, the work of classmates, or professional and amateur work seen outside the classroom. In the arts, teachers are often challenged by time constraints, and wonder how to fit appreciation into tight timelines. Two things to consider are:

- Keep it simple - introduce a framework and use it exclusively for a while

- Do it often - regular moments of appreciation cultivate the appreciation reflex

Keep it simple Ideas	Do it often Ideas
Use post-its on a large Venn diagram on the wall or interactive white board	Build in an appreciation moment at the very start of a project
Have students discuss in groups and share notes on a single Appreciation sheet	Have an appreciation file or station in your classroom for inspiration, and make sure students leave traces in an appreciation journal
Use the same framework for the Artist Statement for personal creations.	Build in appreciation of finished works at the close of a project or as projects are completed

Student Tools

Appreciating Dances (Venn Diagram) - Download

Dancer's Statement - Download

Teaching and Learning Tools

Learning and Evaluation Situations LES

Tanz in 3D: Pina Bausch - by Martin Labrie - Secondary Cycle 1 and 2 Download

Artists in Schools

Having practicing artists and specialized art educators in your classroom enriches everyone's experience of the arts. Students deepen their practice and understanding of the Arts. Teachers expand their arts pedagogy know-how.

ELAN - https://www.quebec-elan.org
English-speaking artists and micro grants for English schools

Culture à l'école - https://cultureeducation.mcc.gouv.qc.ca/repertoire
Quebec government program and database of artists as well as cultural events and outings.

Breaking down the QEP for artists (webinar done for ELAN)

Professional Learning

MAD2 Facebook Group

A group for Quebec teachers in the Arts from the anglophone sector. Go to page

Arts Connection

Online PD for Arts educators in Quebec, hosted by MAD2. A DEEN committee initiative. Online archive available Go to folder

Spotlight on the Arts

An annual effervescent art education happening organized by the MAD2 DEEN subcommittee, featuring guest speakers, workshops in all four Arts subjects, a round-table discussion and on the spot art-making. Go to page

Professional Organizations

CODE - Council of Ontario Drama and Dance Educators
Although their resources are not directly linked to the QEP, this Ontario educators association has a very robust website and an annual conference. Go to site

AQEDÉ - Association québecoise des enseignants de la danse à l'école
A French-language organisation from UQAM with lots of Quebec-specific information Go to site