First Advisor

O'Connell-Black, Christy

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Document Type

Thesis

Date Created

12-2017

Department

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

Embargo Date

6-1-2017

Abstract

Participating in a dance class is influential in the development of young people’s creative, imaginative, individual, and communicative skills. The use of dance within a classroom increases physical fitness, enriches motor skills, coordination, and enhances social skills. Dance also increases muscular endurance, builds balance, as well as encourages teamwork and group skills. Most, if not all individuals crave to be socially accepted on some level. Many individuals with special needs are limited in verbal communication, or they are completely non-verbal. Connecting to individuals with these types of limitations proves to be challenging in comparison with a typical abled bodied individual. All individuals should have equal opportunities to express themselves. The goal of this project was to improve motor skills, self-esteem, and confidence in students with special needs. This research helps advocate for more arts integrated programs to be added into special needs classrooms. The findings of this study supports that dance is a positive influence on students with special needs. Students with varying degrees of disabilities have the potential to become more social, better coordinated, and more confident by incorporating dance into their everyday lives. Being disabled does not mean being excluded from having access to every aspect of life, but rather an enhanced quality of living, with more opportunities available.

Keywords

Special needs students, Arts integrated programs, Dance education

Extent

59 pages

Local Identifiers

DabalsaThesis2017

Rights Statement

Copyright is held by the author.

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