1. An Inquiry into different
teaching approaches of dance
and the benefits produced for
adults with learning difficulties.
Danielle Webber

2. Context.Context.
• Work with adults with moderate learning disabilities.
• Awareness of dance therapies. Potential positive gains
from dance.
• Knowledge that most recreational dance teachers do not
cover learning disability in their training
• Witnessing inappropriate dance classes provided for adults
with learning disabilities.

3. WHY…? Research suggest even
experienced dance teachers are scared to
teach this group…
“I have been looking for a dance teacher for two
years, they are either not interested in teaching
our guys or they were no good, couldn’t adapt
their teaching, and I had to let them go.”
(Activities Manager,
Adult LD day service)
“Some teachers might think that they
don’t have the training necessary to
meet these new challenges”
(Kaufmann, K A 2006)

4. An Inquiry into
the different teaching
approaches of dance.
Interested in comparing
Different types of class.
To understand which are
most adaptable for producing the
greatest benefits for the
greatest number.
Discovering if
teachers can maximise
this with their teaching
approach.
Proposal.Proposal.
To benefit students,
by improving teacher practice,
and encouraging teachers
to work with this
Client group.

5. Inquiry Tools.Inquiry Tools.
Observation.
• Capture visual data required.
• Able to watch teacher methods
• Student behaviours
• Look for links between the two
Interview.
• Discuss teacher approach
• Their own perceived benefits
• Why they practice in the way they do
• Can relate back to observation

6. Can positive changes in behaviour be seenCan positive changes in behaviour be seen
when participating in dance?when participating in dance?
Enjoyment and Impact on students
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
Dance Improvisation
Dance Exercise
Ballet Syllabus
Dance performance
ClassType
Displays of enjoyment or valuable impact
(% of students over 4 week period)
Even the least successful class type produced benefits for over 65% of
students.

7. What Specific benefits were observed?What Specific benefits were observed?
As a minimum ENJOYMENT and acquisition of basic PRACTICAL SKILLS
Classes provided well provided Increased…
• CONFIDENCE
• SOCIAL AWARENESS
• COMMUNICATION
• PERCEPTION & SPACIAL AWARENESS
• PRACTICAL SKILLS
• SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT
• SOCIAL BELONGING.

8. These findings were mirrored by similar workThese findings were mirrored by similar work
done with children with learning disabilities.done with children with learning disabilities.
“Dance is an ideal activity for students with
disabilities because the very nature of dance
makes it a personally meaningful, creative, and
enjoyable experience. Students socialize while
learning a dance, collaborate to create a new
dance, and feel group unity when everyone is
moving to the same beat. Critical-thinking skills,
problem solving, memorization, language
acquisition, abstract thinking, analysis, and
evaluation are critical dance components that also
engage students intellectually.”
(Kaufmann, 2006).
“develops skills, promotes good
health, relieves stress, facilitates
social interactions, and provides a
general joy for living.”
(Peniston. L,C 1998)

9. Other considerations made when analysingOther considerations made when analysing
class success.class success.
• Interaction
• Loss of concentration
• Re-engagement of
students who lose
concentration
• Disruptive behaviours
Re-Engagement
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
Dance Improvisation
Dance Exercise
Ballet Syllabus
Dance Performace
ClassType
Re-engagement after a period of lost concentration
(% of students over 4 week period)
Displays of Disruptive behaviour
0.00% 2.00% 4.00% 6.00% 8.00% 10.00
%
12.00
%
14.00
%
16.00
%
Dance Performance
Dance Syllabus
Dance Exercise
Dance Improvisation
ClassType
Displays of disruptive behaviour
(% of students over 4 week period)

10. Key Characteristics emerged asKey Characteristics emerged as
being important for class success…being important for class success…
1. Class Atmosphere & Structure.
2. Planning
3. Discipline, Praise & Correction.

11. 1. Class Atmosphere & Structure.1. Class Atmosphere & Structure.
Important to take into account individual needs, to
create a relaxed and safe atmosphere.
•Noise
•Touch
•Space, time out
•Rituals
Structure creates predictability, this can
make people feel safe and comfortable.
•Natural Structure
•Phrase Repetition
•Structure with accepted variations.

12. 2. Planning2. Planning
1
2
3
I have seen that teachers who create a lesson plan have a greater
success when working with adults with learning disability.
• Take into account individual needs.
• Planned exercises to practice specific skills
• Works towards specific goals
• Can inform students of activities allowing predictability
• Monitor progress

13. 3. Discipline.3. Discipline.
ADULTS with learning difficulties are ADULTS and should be
afforded the same respect. Discipline is a sensitive issue.
• Pre-empt challenging behaviour.
• Allow breaks
• Don’t engage with disruption – Simple prompts
• Follow agreed behaviour plans.
Correction.Correction.
• Demonstration
• Explanation/ Description
• Physical guidance
Praise.Praise.
• Sandwich Praise & Correction
• Lots of Encouragement
• Create a sense of achievement

14. Ethical Considerations.Ethical Considerations.
Everyone is individual.
Not everyone will enjoy dancing.
It will not benefit students who don’t enjoy it.
BUT
For those who enjoy dance it can be
utilised to produce great benefits.
Shouldn’t everyone who wants to dance
have the opportunity to take valuable and
meaningful classes, whatever their
individual needs?

15. Inclusive vs. ExclusiveInclusive vs. Exclusive
V.S
Another Ethical consideration?
Again…. People are individual.
Some will thrive in an inclusive class if simple adaptations can be made for
them.
For others the adaptations will be too far removed from the original class, and
may not be possible.
Shouldn’t individuals be given options and allowed to make their own choices?

16. Artefact.Artefact.
http://danniweb.wix.com/danceopportunity
To share the information that I gained from my inquiry I
developed a website.
I considered it to be the best way to share information
with the widest range of people, if linked to other
networking sites.
I hope that it provides information for those who already
teach or would like to teach this client group.
Increasing the opportunity for adults with learning
difficulties to enjoy and benefit from dance.

17. Critical reflection.Critical reflection.
•Professional competency & identity
•Confidence
•Professional knowledge
•Research and analysis
•Critical thinking
•Communication and Networking
•Development skills
The undertaking of the inquiry, and in fact the
BAPP programme as a whole has lead to
increases in…