Scheme to teach ballroom dance in PE lessons gains cross party support

A scheme to teach ballroom and Latin dance in school PE lessons has gained cross party support from MPs. The Essentially Dance pilot scheme, funded by the Aldridge Foundation, and developed with dancers Darren and Lilia from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing TV Show, has been shown to improve children's fitness, engagement in physical activity, social skills, self-esteem and classroom behaviour, according to a report published today (June 22). 

The independent research conducted by Dr Jeanne Keay, Dean of Education, and Dr Jon Spence, Head of Physical Education at Roehampton University evaluated the impact of the Essentially Dance teacher-training scheme, which was piloted earlier this year in 29 primary and secondary schools across the country.

Over 2,500 school pupils aged 5 -17 took part in the scheme, which trained school staff to teach the cha-cha-cha, waltz, jive and quick step in PE lessons. The study found 80% of the children enjoyed the lessons describing it as 'exciting, cool, brilliant,' as well as 'elegant, relaxing and romantic.' Attitudes towards exercise, and dance, changed as a result:

·         less sporty children became more engaged in physical activity,

·         shy children gained self-esteem and made friends,

·         behaviour improved, which teachers attributed to the disciplined and structured nature of ballroom and Latin dance.

Ed Balls, the Children, Schools, and Families Secretary said: "From ballroom to ballet, dancing is a fantastic way for children to keep fit and have fun. We want to encourage everyone to take part in physical education and we know that dance is a great way to improve fitness and can attract young people who perhaps do not enjoy competitive sport such as football or netball."

Ed Vaizey, Shadow Minister for Culture said: "I welcome this report, and particularly note that dance appeals to less sporty children – it is a great way to get those that do not enjoy competitive sport active. It is good to see that it also has a positive effect on shy children, and has impacts on behaviour and discipline. I hope this report encourages schools to make provision for good dance teaching for their students."

Vince Cable, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor, said: "I have derived enormous personal self confidence and physical fitness from learning and developing Ballroom and Latin dancing skills.  I am delighted to hear that the Aldridge Foundation is extending that opportunity to disadvantaged young people.  This could become a model for schools across the country."

At one school where behaviour in PE lessons had previously been poor, the teacher praised the scheme saying: "These boys, they usually can't get out of school fast enough and now they're giving up their free time to do this."  One previously reticent boy said: "I used to hate dance now I love it." When asked how to squeeze dance into the busy school curriculum, one boy replied: "Cancel maths – put dance on instead!". 

Peer group relations improved between boys and girls, who worked together as dance partners, and across age groups as older children taught younger ones new dance steps in the playground. This infectious enthusiasm spilled over into extra-curricular activities, such as after school dance clubs where dinner ladies and other teachers learnt side-by-side with the students. Parents, inspired by their children, have asked for their own dance clubs and many schools are planning to go out into the community to hold tea dances.

Dr Keay said: "The response to the Essentially Dance pilot programme was overwhelmingly positive and it clearly has the potential to make a huge impact on all children's learning.  The research also found that the programme has the potential to positively affect social interaction within families and in local communities."

The Essentially Dance pilot scheme has been funded by the Aldridge Foundation and reflects its core ethos to tackle educational underachievement and social immobility.

Rod Aldridge, Chairman of The Aldridge Foundation, said: "As a young boy, I was an under-achiever academically but gained confidence by competing in both sport and dance. I wanted to find a way to make this experience available to all children, no matter what their socio-economic backgrounds. So it's immensely rewarding to see how this dance scheme has ignited the passion of a new generation of children in a way that can also improve their fitness and social skills."

The training resource was developed in partnership with Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, professional dancers from the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing TV show along with other dance and school sports experts. 

Teachers said they believed the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing TV show has had a positive impact on children's awareness and positive perceptions of ballroom dance. This was especially so for boys who viewed sports figures, such as rugby player Darren Gough who previously won the TV competition with Lilia Kopylova, as role models.

Darren Bennett, said: "It has always been our dream that every young person should have the opportunity to learn Ballroom and Latin American dancing and finally this is being realised through Essentially Dance. It is exciting to see how successful it has become and we are looking forward to seeing the long term results."

Ends

The launch of Essentially Dance takes place in the Clore Ballroom at the Royal Festival Hall, South Bank Centre, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX, on Monday June 22 from 10-11am. To confirm attendance, contact Petra Coveney Associate Director of The Aldridge Foundation on 020 7925 7905 or Blackberry 07590831966.  For a full copy of the Roehampton University report visit the Aldridge Foundation's website www.aldridgefoundation.com/essentiallydance

For information about the Essentially Dance resource visit www.essentiallydance.com

Notes to Editor

• The Essentially Dance pilot scheme was funded by the Aldridge Foundationwww.aldridgefoundation.com. It was developed in partnership with professional dancers Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova, Dale Bennett of City Limits Education, School Sports Partnership expert Sue Cooper and Lorraine Drolet, a former world amateur champion ballroom dancer who runs children's dance classes in New Addington, Croydon and Coulsdon.
• It has been piloted in 29 schools at five key sites: Darwen near Blackburn, Salford, Rotherham, Bromley in South London, and Falmer near Brighton.
• The Roehampton University evaluation included two clusters of these participating schools in Darwen (one secondary school and five feeder primary schools) and Brighton (one secondary school and four feeder primary schools). Approximately 370 children aged 5-14 took part in the research.
• As part of the pilot scheme, 52 teachers and classroom assistants received practical training sessions with professional dance and PE experts supported by a training resource, which includes a step-by-step DVD led by Darren and Lilia, a booklet with easy to follow sessions and a CD with suitable music.
• The new initiative, which meets the Government's Every Child Matters outcomes on health, enjoyment and achievement, targets to reduce childhood obesity and the National Curriculum's Key stage 1-5 provision for Physical Education, aims to:

- Improve young people's health and fitness

      - Build confidence and self-esteem

      - Improve cross-gender and inter-generational relationships

• According to the NHS, ballroom dance can burn up to 300 calories per hour.
• Darren Bennett and Lilia Kopylova are appearing in their first West End show Latin Fever at Sadler's Wells' Peacock Theatre until  Sunday 28 June