Review / Summary of the Literature

Reference: Kaufmann, K. A. (2006). Inclusive creative movement and dance. USA: Human Kinetics.

This book looks at the place of inclusive dance within the classroom, focusing on the benefits for students without and with disabilities. It is written for teachers and includes how dance can fit into the curriculum and suggests classroom reflection activities. Kaufmann (2006) states a large range of benefits that inclusive dance creates. This is just a few: flexibility, balance, basic motor skills, listening skills, imagination, creativity, memory and group work strategies (for example taking turns). “In inclusive dance, all students gain a sense of their own talents and learn to appreciate the rich, diverse world in which they live” (p.30). The book goes on to describe dance exercise examples. This book helps to explain the reasons why dancers are involved, when the associated benefits are many.

From an Occupational Therapy perspective the stated benefits of inclusive dance mirror many of the skills and areas that Occupational Therapists work with their clients on. Perhaps instead of a standard technique an Occupational Therapist should explore the possibilities of dance when working with clients.