Memorandum submitted by the Laban Guild
for Movement and Dance
The Laban Guild is the Governing Body for Laban
based Movement and Dance in the UK and a member of the CCPR Movement
and Dance division, but we are a small organisation staffed entirely
by volunteers, receiving no grants or funding from external sources.
This is not reflected in our work and influence. We are an umbrella
organisation with an international membership of both individuals
and academic institutions. We publish a quarterly Magazine and
run courses training community dance teachers at several levels.
These comments are from the Courses Officer,
Ann Ward, and are only a general reflection of our experience.
Many of our members, particularly those involved with the work
of dance agencies, are more closely involved in the provision
of dance and have been encouraged to make their own representations.
CURRENT SITUATION:
There is a desperate lack of infrastructure
supporting dance. Such provision as there is, is extremely patchy.
Those areas within reach of a strong dance agency may be well
served, but too many others have no coherent provision of dance,
whether performance, participation or training.
In our opinion, there is also a lack of suitably
trained dance leaders to develop dance. Professional dancers are
trained to dance, not to teach. The Laban Guild runs a training
programme for Community Dance Teachers that is acclaimed by all
who have taken it, either individuals or agencies, but we receive
no grants whatever to develop or promote our courses. Agencies
also seem under pressure from auditors to develop their own schemes,
rather than to take advantage of what is already on offer—a
highly professional course which has been developed over the past
25 years and is constantly re-evaluated and up-dated to meet current
requirements.
There is also a desperate lack of suitable and
affordable venues for freelance teachers. Draughty Church Halls
with unsuitable flooring are no longer acceptable in the 21st
century—not least because of the risk of litigation.
. . . benefits of dance as a sporting activity
. . .
No—but there are dangers associated with
this. Sports activities tend to be highly regulated, hierarchical,
competitive and bureaucratic. Grants usually come with strings
attached.
PUBLIC POLICY
AND INVESTMENT:
Dance is not just for the young, fit and beautiful!
Participation is probably already far greater than appreciated
and investment in the necessary infrastruction—dance agencies,
teachers and purpose built venues, would undoubtedly increase
this. We know that there is an increasing demand for classes for
mature participants. These classes can deliver not only physical
benefits but contribute to the overall well being of those taking
part. It is becoming recognised that dance is a holistic discipline
that can aid in treating depression and mental health problems
and maintaining a sense of well being. It helps people to make
relationships and can improve their ability to interact socially.
At any level and for any age group, dance can contribute not only
to the physical and mental health, but the social, aesthetic and
cultural development of those taking part.
Greater investment in dance would have many
benefits for society at large, whether in improvement in personal
health and well being or greater appreciation of the art form,
so increasing the demand for and attendance at performances.
YOUNG PEOPLE
AND DANCE:
Support is woefully inadequate at all levels.
Dedicated professional development at third level is frequently
not eligible for grant aid, and so talented youngsters are denied
the opportunity for advancement.
Having said this, there is too much emphasis
on performance as the only route to take. There are many more
opportunities for employment in teaching or the application of
dance or movement analysis than there are in professional performance.
There is a desperate need for training or re-training in these
fields, particularly for mature students wishing to apply their
experience of dance to teaching, therapy or personal development.
Involving young people in dance often demands
the overcoming of cultural stereotypes or harnessing their enthusiasm
for current "crazes". This needs specific training.
Many young people's enthusiasm for dance is being badly served
by poor teaching, resulting in poor quality dance and experience
of dance.
There is no system of certification or ensuring
of standards in contemporary dance as there is in ballet. So there
is no recognition of achievement for young people taking part
in contemporary classes. The Laban Guild is instituting schemes
of work and the award of certificates that will fill this gap
but, again, we are struggling to do this with no financial support.
Although dance is now part of the National Curriculum
in schools, it is still frequently under resourced and badly taught.
This is not the fault of teachers, many of whom desperately want
to be able to provide this but are badly served by their training.
Dance is part of the requirement in the PE curriculum, but teachers
often have no more than 15 hours training in its provision over
a three year course. Within the Primary School, dance should not
only be an activity in its own right but enhancing learning in
every discipline. There should be a dedicated dance specialist
in every primary school and it would be greatly beneficial to
young people's development if dance were compulsory at Key Stage
3.
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