Join the Movement for Dance Education

WELCOME to the Dance Educators Association of Washington (DEAW)! We are a proud state affiliate of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). Membership in DEAW shall be extended to any individual or organization that subscribes to and supports the stated mission of DEAW upon payment of annual dues to NDEO, our national affiliate organization. You will have dual membership in DEAW and NDEO for one membership dues price.

           

 

DEAW supports the integration of dance education as a basic and integral component of education in the State of Washington.

Why integrate dance as a basic and integral part of education? Because dance…

• develops neural pathways essential to language acquisition, reading readiness, and mathematical ability;
• grows strong, healthy bodies through movement and exercise;
• increases agility, flexibility, coordination, and endurance;
• nourishes creativity and problem-solving skills;
• cultivates appreciation for individual differences and cultural diversity;
• fosters active rather than passive learning;
• supports social skills and cooperation;
• releases energy through positive physical activity;
• engages the whole self;
• is fun and engaging.

Who supports dance education?

dance educators, classroom teachers, music educators, theatre specialists, PE specialists, parents, administrators, professional dancers, resident artists, studio teachers, anyone who believes more arts inclusion improves learning!

Contact us-

      info@deawa.org

 

May is Arts Education Month

       

Join DEAW as we support Arts Education Month.  Visit ArtsEd Washington for more information.

 

Dance Educators Association of Washington Board Resolution

WHEREAS, the arts, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts, are defined as a core content area in Washington State’s definition of basic education, and considered an essential component of the complete education that should be provided for all students; and

WHEREAS, learning in and through the arts enables students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, imagination and creativity, discipline, alternative ways to communicate and express feelings and ideas, and cross-cultural understanding, which supports academic success across the curriculum as well as personal growth outside the classroom; and

WHEREAS, imagination and creativity are increasingly understood as critical capacities needed for success in the 21st century workforce; and

WHEREAS, the arts can transform our schools into havens of creativity and exploration – places where students want to learn, teachers want to teach, and all members of the learning community are more engaged and motivated; and

WHEREAS, high quality school-based arts education involves a wide range of partners, including School Boards, district administrators, educators, parents, artists and arts organizations, community members, and local businesses and organizations, whose
collective endeavors towards equitable provision of arts learning for all students we celebrate and promote; and

WHEREAS, we applaud the efforts and dedication of all arts educators and advocates around the state, and we call for school and community leaders to continue to broaden and strengthen their arts education focus in order to meet the goal of “Arts for Every Student.”

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that we, the Dance Educators Association of Washington do hereby proclaim May 2012 as Arts Education Month in the state of Washington, and call on our members to celebrate and promote the arts in our schools and to take action to provide equitable access to arts learning for all students in our learning community.

Signed, this 20th day of March, 2012

Krissa Englebright, DEAW President

Dance Educators Association of Washington • www.deawa.org • info@deawa.org

DEAW Board of Directors:
Krissa Englebright, Barbara Walshe, Rhonda Cinotto, Shannon Barnes, Anne Maertens, Vanessa Villalobos, Diana Garcia-Snyder, Kayti Bouljon, Teresa Osborn

 

NEW!!!  DEAW Educator of the Year Award

Dance Educators Association of Washington is excited to announce the DEAW Educator of the Year Award! Nominations are now being accepted for outstanding dance educators in Washington State. Do you know an exemplary teacher? Please fill out the short online survey below to nominate them for this honor.  Or, download to print the survey and mail it in.

Educator of the Year 2011 Online Nomination Form

Nominees must be working in Washington State, in any setting (studio, public schools, children or adults). Winner will be announced in 2012, with a formal presentation at the annual DEAW and/or Arts Time Conference.

Questions? email president@deawa.org

 

DEAW is a member of the following organizations:

Please visit their websites for further resources and information about arts education, including arts education advocacy tools.

National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)- DEAW is the state affiliate   NDEO Website 

ArtsEd Washington    ArtsEd Washington Website

Washington State Arts Alliance   WSAA Website

                                   Dance Educators Association of Washington • www.deawa.org • info@deawa.org