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Dance Student’s Senior Project Hosts a “Day of Dance” for Children

February 26, 2015

Dance Student’s Senior Project Hosts a “Day of Dance” for Children

Last December, Dana Schafer, a fourth-year dance major, invited 70 third graders from Starling STEM School in Franklinton to Sullivant Hall to participate in a “Day of Dance,” which focused on community dance and the importance for children to experience the arts in public schools.

The day was broken down into three 45-minute classes: creative movement and improv, jazz or hip-hop and choreography to Michael Jackson’s Thriller. After learning the choreography, the children went back to their school and surprised their peers with a flash mob of Thriller.

“The kids had a blast,” said Schafer. “Dancing was inspiring for them. It encouraged them to be active and gave them a creative outlet.

“Research has showed time and time again that students who have training in the arts in school have better relationships, they’re more confident about who they are and they do better in their academic classes. If we can be a part of that here at Ohio State it would be a pretty incredible thing,” said Schafer.

It was important to Schafer to make sure the children had an amazing time and, after all of her hard work, she was thrilled with the way her senior project turned out. She credits its success with guidance from her advisors and funding from the university.

“Dance majors’ senior projects serve as culminating investigations that 'cap' their Ohio State experience, as well as serve as launching pads for their next steps in their careers,” said Susan Petry, chair of the Department of Dance. “Careers in dance and the arts require a savvy entrepreneurialism, an ability to make connectionsand strong communication skills.”

After college, Schafer's plan is to expand the program to other schools. She hopes to help children become interested in the arts and have access to dance. “We focus on these issues a lot in our Dance Education curriculum at Ohio State, so we’re looking at how we can change the public schools to integrate these arts classes and make sure that the students are getting all the benefits of dance not just for fun and exercise, which is amazing in its own right, but to develop these creative thinkers and problem solvers and confident young adults.”By Molly Kime, ASC Communications Student

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