Making Connections Through Collaboration: Exploring the Physics
of Dance

Recently at Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education, a K-8 charter school in Wilson, NC. students who are normally in specialized science and dance classes came together for an integrated lesson on physics. Both classes were taught the basics of each content area, and then guided into an experiment that explored the concepts of physics governing the suspended qualities of selected ballet steps. During the lesson, students learned the value of integrating seemingly different content ares, as well as gaining an understanding of the commonality of the required skills. During this process, the teachers involved learned about the benefits of collaboration between colleagues and how this can better preserve integrity of both content areas and improve the quality of the lesson. This session will not only recall the actual student experience, but allow participants to experience the lesson themselves in an experiential demonstration. Participants are encouraged to adapt this lesson to their own content area and/or grade level.

Erica Locke is the 4th-8th grade dance instructor and Arts Integration Coordinator at Sallie B. Howard School for the Arts and Education in Wilson, NC. She is also a member of Blank Slate Dance Company out of Durham, NC. Erica has been studying dance for twenty years in the areas of ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, modern, creative movement, and gymnastics as well as cross-cultural dance forms. She began her studies at the Thomas Studio of Performing Arts in Pittsburgh, PA where she was later a member of the Thomas Dance Company. She has graduated with honors, earning a degree in Dance Studies and Anthropology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.