In this dance science course, you will be taken on a unique journey towards unraveling the relationship between the artistry of codified dance technique and traditions and how they can (and should) coexist with modern movement science. A deeper understanding of this relationship will ultimately uplevel your dancers’ technique and future careers. The curriculum covered is designed to apply to all dance styles, environments, and ages of dancers; making the course accessible and applicable to dance educators of all kinds. We will investigate the scientific underpinnings that collectively assist dancers in executing movements such as powerful leaps, refined pirouettes, and elegant arabesques. This course will build the bridge between modern science and traditional dance pedagogy in a specific and practical way that prioritizes (1) teaching Anatomy & Dance Science from a young age and (2) implementing anatomy lessons into teaching dance movements (such as pirouettes). Whether you’re a ballet instructor, an early-childhood teacher, or an educator who teaches all styles, the content of this course will trickle into all environments and contexts within the dance sphere.

Book required: None

How do OPDI Online Courses for dance teachers work?

Our “online” courses are guided by a professor and include a co-hort of students (other dance teachers) with whom you will collaborate. They also include graded assignments, feedback, final grades, and Professional Development Credits (PDCs). Our OPDI online courses require on average between 6 to 8 hours of work each week, but it all depends on your learning style. It could be less or could be more. You can also register as an Audit student and do as much or as little work as you want and will not receive a grade.

We utilize the Sakai online learning platform to deliver the course materials and instruction. Our courses are asynchronous, so there are no required meeting dates or times but we do have a Course Start and Course End date; however, our courses offer at least 2 optional live Q&A-Feedback zoom sessions during the course to enhance opportunities for connection with other students and the professor. Every week of the course there are assignments that you will need to complete with due dates listed in the course outline / syllabus.

Assignments can be done at any time during the week prior to the due date and may include reading, watching videos, posting answers to prompts on a discussion board, writing an essay, reading and responding to other students' posts on the discussion board, taking a cell phone video of yourself completing a particular movement, taking a quiz, or completing a final project. The professor provides written feedback and grades and you get to connect with other students (who are actually dance teachers) via our discussion board and the optional live Q&A feedback sessions.