THE IDEAL OF TEACHING: A TWENTY-YEAR REVIEW AND OUTLOOK ON “HIGHER EDUCATION DANCE” INSTRUCTION

Abstract

In 1997, the prestigious Shaanxi Normal University and renowned Fujian Normal University pioneered the establishment of the innovative “Dance Education” major in higher normal universities in China. Since then, beginning in 1999, various prominent normal universities and diverse comprehensive universities across the country have successively introduced dance disciplines. The term “Higher Education Dance” refers specifically to specialized dance programs offered at higher normal universities and, more broadly, to comprehensive dance disciplines established in reputable universities. The twenty years since the graduation of the first cohort of dance undergraduates in the 21st century have witnessed the remarkable development of higher dance education. This paper aimed to provide a thorough review and discussion of the past two decades of dance education in higher normal universities, focusing on aspects such as training objectives, curriculum design, and teaching evaluation. In addition, this study also assessed the significant impacts and development of Higher Education Dance programs in China over the past two decades by analyzing graduates’ valuable academic experiences, career trajectories, and perceptions of the discipline. The research results were as follows: 1) Higher Education Dance programs effectively prepare graduates for teaching careers, though a small percentage transition to non-dance fields, highlighting a need for broader interdisciplinary training. 2) The curriculum structure aligns with national policies, integrating general education, dance training, and pedagogy, yet gaps remain in practical training and regional dance integration. 3) While urban universities offer better faculty and resources, less-developed regions face faculty shortages, infrastructure limitations, and student skill disparities, requiring policy support and curriculum improvements.