Published article: Assandri, E. (2019) ‘Is ‘Touching’ Essential When Teaching Ballet’, Research in Dance Education, 20:2, pp. 197-207.
Link to article: https://doi.org/10.1080/14647893.2019.1609435
Abstract:
The purpose of this action research is to explore the value of ‘touching’ when teaching in a ballet studio-based class. This method, as part of cultural heritage, is traditionally used and preserved to correct students, but in today’s society, this could become challenging and problematic in Higher Education. Is this way of teaching still recommended and accepted by students? As a ballet practitioner and a novice researcher, I decided to assess teaching strategies to evaluate the importance of ‘touch’ for learners and to collect information in relation to their perception on this teaching style. Findings showed that ‘touching’ is widely accepted and desired as long as clear parameters were explained and understood by both teachers and students.
