DANCE A TEACHING TOOL, A CHOREOGRAPHIC EXPERIMENT OF SELECT PRIMARY SCHOOL MAKURDI

This research project explores the integration of tap dance as a teaching tool in primary education, focusing on its potential benefits, challenges, and implications for educational practice. Drawing on a multidisciplinary approach, the study investigates the impact of tap dance integration on student learning outcomes, cognitive development, and socio-emotional well-being. Through a mixed-methods research design, including qualitative interviews, surveys, and observational techniques, data is collected from selected primary schools in Makurdi Metropolis to examine the experiences and perceptions of educators, students, and stakeholders involved in tap dance integration initiatives. The findings of the study reveal that tap dance integration in primary education offers numerous benefits, including enhanced student engagement, creativity, physical fitness, and cultural awareness. However, the implementation of tap dance programs also presents various challenges, such as limited resources, teacher training needs, and cultural relevance considerations. Despite these challenges, tap dance integration is shown to have a transformative impact on student learning and development, fostering essential skills such as collaboration, communication, and problem-solving. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided for schools, educators, policymakers, and community stakeholders to support the effective integration of tap dance in primary education. These recommendations include investing in resources, providing professional development opportunities, promoting cultural diversity, fostering community partnerships, and advocating for policy changes to prioritize arts education funding. By embracing tap dance as a teaching tool, primary schools can create inclusive and enriching learning environments that empower students to thrive academically, creatively, and socially.