Degree Name

Master of Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

12-1-2020

Department

College of Performing and Visual Arts, Theatre Arts and Dance, Theatre Arts and Dance Student Work

Abstract

Many students that have attempted to take salsa dance classes often express their disillusionment in the way in which they are treated by salsa dance instructors. Salsa dance classes have the possibility to function to awaken in the student greater integration with the society in which people live, while stimulating actions, improving self-esteem, and self-confidence, improving vocabulary, awakening sensitivity, attenuating shyness, as well as increasing communicative and social skills. If the content of a course is well designed and delivered with an intentional student-centered approach, it can positively contribute to greater and more sincere learning. In this sense, the objective of this study was to analyze and reflect on the ideas of dignity and self-respect in the context of the learning environment created. With these ideas in mind, the purpose of this research was to investigate the outcome of treating students with dignity and respect, specifically in the salsa dance classroom. This study was designed to employ an environment that would foster a healthy self-esteem and would promote compassion with students. Two groups of ten participants in each group were compared in this study. The participant responses to these teaching strategies were tracked via pre and post surveys, and interview questions which provided insight regarding best practices and approaches for building students’ strategies both in and out of the dance class.

Keywords

compassion, salsa dance, respect, dignity

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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