So we think you can learn: how student perceptions affect learning^*

Abstract

Recent experiences in rehearsals have led us to question how student dancers perceive the culture of rehearsal. We are interested in how the influence of shows like So You Think You Can Dance affects student expectations. How do students from competitive dance studio backgrounds approach learning in a rehearsal setting? Are there specific ways to ensure optimal learning in a rehearsal process? A qualitative evaluation is used for this research, utilizing interviews, and surveys to collect data from students enrolled in a ‘Rehearsal and Performance’ course at three separate institutions, to broaden the scope of the data collection. Our research outcomes will add to the current knowledge of the field, by analyzing the learning opportunities in a rehearsal culture and the intersection of student perceptions and experience.

Keywords:

• Dance pedagogy
• rehearsal pedagogy
• choreography
• higher education
• collaborative learning
• millennials
• competition in learning