Creating a Certification for PreK-12 Dance Education: Why We Need It

Abstract

While youth dance classes have one of the highest enrollment rates out of all youth physical activities in the United States, there are absolutely no certifications or qualifications required to be a dance teacher or to open a dance studio. Given the physical and mental strain that dance training requires, the lack of certification can and does cause extreme problems; uneducated dance teachers can cause students physical injuries, worsen century-old diversity and equity problems, as well as heighten or cause mental health concerns. This research goes in depth on these topics and exemplifies how they can be improved with proper teacher education.

Dance teachers should be held to a higher standard wherein they are properly educated on anatomical, sociocultural, and mental health topics.