The Impact Of Dance On Low-Income Students

This paper discusses the potential impact of dance on low-income students. This research looks into current gaps in student performance between low-income students and their more wealthy peers. In order to both ascertain the reason for these gaps and seek ways to use dance to alleviate them, the research continues into the history of public education and specifically public education for low-income students. To look into how dance can improve education for low-income students, various existing programs were studied, from general arts programs to dance-specific programs and strategies. This research showed that there is a connection between participating in dance and better school engagement, motivation, creativity, and self-confidence, all key to improving not only student performance but also their education as a whole. Students who are confident, creative, motivated, and engaged are those that are sought by employers and those that believe in their own abilities. As such, opportunities to include dance in schools and classrooms should be pursued as a way to alleviate educational gaps between low-income students and their wealthier peers.