From the Director

MMPAC is committed to achieving the Standards for Dance Education set by the National Dance Organization. The National Standards guide student assessment and specify curriculum requirements at various grade levels. These standards speak to quality and accountability. They will help to ensure that the study of dance is disciplined and well focused and that dance instruction has a point of reference for assessing its results.

The standards include not only expectations for student achievement, but also standards for curriculum, scheduling, staffing, materials, equipment, facilities, and safety guidelines. These guidelines represent a comprehensive set of recommendations concerning the types and levels of support necessary to achieve the national standards in dance education. They also seek to embody the most promising current instructional practices in dance and reflect the most recent research.

In effect, these standards in dance education are raising the bar for our students, instructors and studios. Though public and private dance studios and instructors are encouraged to adopt these national standards, implementation is not yet mandatory. However, incorporating the National Standards for Dance Education gives our children more than just quality dance instruction. They result in better-rounded individuals, children who can apply the principles and discipline of dance to other areas of their lives. These include academics, communication, self-expression and self-discipline.

It is important to recognize that MMPAC is striving to meet these national standards before they are made mandatory. Our commitment to excellence is one that provides each and every student with a quality arts education experience.

Kimberly Price with Rima Faber, one of the developers of the National Standards for Dance Education. Ms. Faber was a guest speaker for the American University Graduate Course, 'Teaching Methods'.