Curricular considerations
The analysis of findings from this case study revealed curricular considerations as
vital to the successful integration of a professional dancer into the collegiate environment.
A central motivation of the professional dancers entering academia is the
development of knowledge and skills that can take their careers beyond the profes-
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sional world of dance. It is a challenge to administer a standard curriculum to populations
of traditional and professional students simultaneously, as they enter the
classroom with different experiences, knowledge and motivations. There is also
potential for a variance of age and maturity (as was the case with Andrew in this
case study) that can prove challenging in administering a common curriculum.
Another effective system identified within this case study was the ‘credit by
exam’ opportunity given to the professional dancers within the program that
allowed them to test out of components of the curriculum that were a duplication of
their professional work and experience. This helped focus and tailor the educational
experience more effectively for the professional dancers, allowing them to find
greater relevance and curricular engagement within the program. It is therefore concluded
that in developing similar partnerships, the curricular experience of the
returning dance professionals should be carefully analyzed and tailored to