IADMS Madrid 2001   [back to the Category]
Introducing ethics into a professional development programme for dance teachers   [read the french version]
  Sho Botham, MA, DECO
Introducing ethics into a professional development programme for dance teachers

Sho Botham, MA, DECO – The Dance Education Consultancy, East Sussex, England

The BBO Project:
A project relevant to the author's current field of study into Ethics - Dance Teaching, Training and Choreography. The author is collaborating with the British Ballet Organization [BBO] to introduce and promote ethical dance teaching practices and the person centered approach within their existing Professional Development Program for Teachers. The project developed from an article “Considering Dance Teaching Ethics” written by Sho Botham for “The Dancer” the magazine for members of the BBO. The aim of this project is to provide professional development. Firstly through awareness raising of the importance of ethical teaching methods which facilitate the flourishing of dancers and teachers through autonomy and respect for the person. Secondly to facilitate understanding and the adoption of ethical teaching practices and the person centered approach. Initially the project will use two main methods of introducing and promoting ethics. Firstly, Sho Botham will write articles addressing ethical topics for publication in the BBO's “The Dancer” magazine. Secondly through lectures and discussions at annual concourses and other meetings or workshops. Feedback will be encouraged and evaluation forms will be given to all participants. The analysis of this data will help to determine current progress of the project and to assist with future planning. Any interim conclusions at this stage will be explored together with current learning outcomes. The way forward will be informed by the outcomes of the project so far and also current available research and literature. At this stage, consideration will be given to the feasibility of extending the project to BBO teachers in Australia and New Zealand and other interested organizations.

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