Pilot Project Evaluation Report by Roehampton University

The Aldridge Foundation has commissioned an evaluation of the introduction of the ‘Essentially Dance’ programme in two areas of England. The aim of the evaluation project is to identify how a Ballroom and Latin American Dance training programme and resource may affect teachers’ confidence and competence to deliver dance and how the teaching of the programme may influence pupils’ perceptions and participation in dance and physical activity.

The evaluation has investigated the impact of the pilot training programme and resource which has been introduced into 29 schools across the country and specifically focuses on 2 areas of England, Darwen and Brighton. One secondary school and its feeder primary schools in each locality were invited to participate in the pilot dance project. The data has been gathered from teachers and pupils involved in the project.

The study evaluates the success of the programme, looking at psychosocial and fitness benefits.

Early evidence shows that the scheme can also have benefits in the classroom.  The disciplines involved are leading to improved relationships between students of all ages, both male and female, and fostering mutual respect and team-working.

A longitudinal study will be commissioned to look at the longer-term benefits.

Conclusions

• Evidence from the two clusters of schools involved in this evaluation and in the pilot phase of the project show that the ‘Essentially Dance’ programme has the potential to be educationally beneficial.
• The introduction of the ‘Essentially Dance’ programme appears to have provided pupils with new learning opportunities, it has motivated pupils to become more involved in dance and the research suggests that the programme has further stimulated interest in wider physical activity.
• The training provided to support the programme has been of high quality.
• It would appear from the findings of this initial piece of research that the ‘Essentially Dance’ programme to teach Ballroom and Latin American dance in school PE lessons has the potential to have a positive impact on the fitness and health of children.

 Impact

• The response to the ‘Essentially Dance’ pilot programme has been overwhelmingly positive and clearly it has the potential to make a huge impact on all children’s learning.
• The ‘Essentially Dance’ programme has impacted on young people’s social skills, self confidence and self-esteem.
• Pupils involved in the programme have shown higher levels of cooperation.
• A social benefit from the programme shows that pupils were keen to share their experiences of teaching their parents to dance. In some cases parents have asked for lessons for them and in several of the primary schools there are plans to either run sessions for parents or to stage a ‘parent social’ or ‘tea dance’ where pupils and parents can learn and dance together.