ABSTRACT
Fostering children's dance abilities not only promotes physical health through exercise and movement but also enhances their social interaction skills with peers. Recognizing the importance of holistic development, the Department of Education integrates dance into sports competitions and talent festivals. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Project DANCE (Develop and Nurture Childrens’ Enthusiasm in Dancing) implemented at Malaruhatan Elementary School, initiated in response to the Department of Education's focus on dance-related competitions. Quantitative research involving 243 pupils was conducted, revealing an initial skill level of 1.72, interpreted as least skilled, before the implementation of Project DANCE. Based on the program, participants displayed a skill level of 3.64, suggesting moderate proficiency, which highlights notable advancements in the project's efficacy. With a computed t-value of 47.112188 significantly surpassing the tabular t-value of 1.9787, the null hypothesis was decisively rejected. This indicates a significant disparity in the skills of project DANCE participants post-project implementation.
This demonstrates the effectiveness of Project DANCE in fostering skill development and underscores its potential to provide participants with a more enriching and comprehensive learning experience in dancing. The project's success suggests the importance of incorporating tailored instruction, continuous feedback, and an expanded curriculum to meet the evolving needs of participants and achieve positive outcomes in skill enhancement.
Keywords: DANCE, workshop, ability, social skills, nurturing
Context and Rationale
Project DANCE is an innovative initiative dedicated to fostering the holistic development of children through the art of dance. DANCE, an acronym for Developing Ability and Nurturing Children’s Enthusiasm in Dancing, encapsulates our vision to empower young minds by providing a transformative platform where creativity, discipline, and physical fitness converge.
Dance education can be found in the curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) of the Philippines, under the K to 12 Program, designed to incorporate dancing into physical education subjects in the classroom. Dance education, aside from health benefits, is to promote and help preserve the national identity through its folk dances. It is supported by the argument of Aguas (2018) that arts can play a crucial role in preserving national identity in times of change. As a result, MAPEH secondary teachers in a particular school demonstrated high-level practices to promote Philippine folk dancing (Poralan et al., 2014).
In a world that is constantly evolving, Project DANCE recognizes the need to nurture not just academic prowess but also the emotional, social, and physical well-being of children. Through the enchanting medium of dance, we aim to instill confidence, discipline, and a love for movement, all while fostering an environment of inclusivity and self-expression.
Project DANCE aimed to create a space where every child can discover their unique talents, embrace the joy of movement, and unlock their full potential. Whether it's the grace of ballet, the rhythm of hip-hop, or the cultural richness of traditional dances, Project DANCE embraces diverse dance forms, allowing children to explore and find the style that resonates with them.
Project DANCE is committed to building a community that supports the growth of each child. We believe that through dance, children can develop essential life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. As they express themselves through movement, they not only cultivate physical fitness but also gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and the world around them.
Health-related situations frequently contribute to student absenteeism, often stemming from a combination of insufficient physical activity and unhealthy dietary choices. When confronted with health issues, the pursuit of educational objectives is inevitably hindered. The students' ability to fully partake in the opportunities presented may consequently be curtailed.
Participation in sports contests, particularly in dance sports and folk dance, is a recurring event in our community, marked by an annual dance presentation to showcase the talents of our residents. Recognizing the significance of this cultural and physical engagement, the researcher has identified the need for a dance workshop. The purpose behind this initiative is to enhance the dancing abilities of learners, fostering skill development and enriching their overall dance experience. Through this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to refine their techniques, explore new styles, and contribute to the vibrancy of our municipality's dance culture.
Project DANCE unfolds over six consecutive Saturdays, commencing on January 6 and concluding on February 10. The culmination of this immersive dance workshop is a grand Dance Recital scheduled for February 17, 2024, providing a platform for the learners to showcase the skills they've honed.
Enthusiastic learners who share a passion for dancing have willingly enrolled in the workshop, contributing a fee of 50 pesos per Saturday, amounting to a total of 300 for the mentor overseeing their growth. This financial commitment not only demonstrates the learners' dedication but also helps sustain and support the program.
Acknowledging the shortage of sports equipment at our school, the researcher has prioritized garnering community support. Actively seeking sponsors for the forthcoming dance recital, they have engaged former teachers of Malaruhatan Elementary School and esteemed alumni. Their generous contributions underscore their dedication to Project DANCE's success. Beyond enhancing the program, their sponsorship cultivates a shared sense of pride and involvement in the community's cultural and artistic advancement.
While the shortage of sports equipment is evident within our school, it is important to recognize that this issue extends far beyond our local context. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), In the twenty-first century, sports equipment and facilities play a crucial role in modern school environments, facilitating the teaching-learning process and enabling students to readily engage in sports activities. Governments worldwide have undertaken substantial investments, dedicating billions of dollars to construct contemporary schools equipped with sports facilities tailored to meet the demands of today's generation (W.H.O, 2018).
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