Dance & Cultivation: Spurring the Next Generation’s Enthusiasm for the Art of Dance

ABSTRACT Dance as an art form continues to be undervalued; however, more exposure to dance at a young age can spur the next generation’s enthusiasm for it. As an Associate Professor of Dance, my creative practice as research involves the application of creative engagement methods for young doers and viewers, while simultaneously enhancing their comprehension of other subjects. I do this through my multifaceted outreach program, Creation in Motion, which involves workshops for teachers, elementary school visits, summer camps, and interactive performances with the ensemble, Creation in Motion Touring Ensemble for Young Audiences or CIM TEYA. From inspiration to implementation and expansion, this article follows the growth of this work to inspire dance educators to develop their own creative engagement methods for young doers and viewers.