Two Experiences of Democratic Education on Dance: Plan B Danza and Taller de Danza Moderna

Abstract

ABSTRACT

The objective of this article is to document the experiences in two democratic dance teaching projects in Costa Rica: Plan B Danza in the community of Hatillo and Taller de Danza Moderna at the Rodrigo Facio Campus of the University of Costa Rica. First, the necessary background information is outlined about the history of dance in Costa Rica, education is valued as an axis of social transformation and some of the many learning dynamics in dance are explained. In the second place, Plan B Danza and Taller de Danza Moderna are described as examples of democratizing dance spaces. For this, a participant observation methodology was used, in which the origin of the work dynamics and scope of both spaces could be visible. The processes allowed the assessment of the importance of democratic education about the body, and the reasons why the two spaces discussed in the article are important in the development of a more just society in terms of access and the positive impact they generate on the participating people, their families, and their environments.