Standards-Based Progression Framework for South Asian Diasporic Dance Education
Moving Praxis: Transforming Worlds
This framework provides a structured, standards-based progression model designed to benchmark and advance skill development in South Asian diasporic dance forms. Grounded in peer-reviewed research and currently accepted for publication in the prestigious Journal of Dance Education, it combines foundational technique, cultural context, and artistic expression into a level-by-level pedagogical road map. Ultimately, the system bridges traditional movement practices with rigorous contemporary standards to foster technical mastery and cultural literacy across diverse learning environments.
Dance and Community Research
At the Dance and Community Research Institute, we explore the rich heritage of Odissi Dance. Our focus is on repurposing Arts Standards to enhance community engagement and appreciation for this beautiful art form. As pilot, we worked with "Kalaangan," Houston, TX and "Sai Nritya Sangam," Columbus, OH. Detailed Formative and Summative Assessments can be found below.
PRE K SENSORY EXPLORATION AND SHARED MOVEMENT
KINDERGARTEN SHAPES AND
EXPRESSIVE PLAY
GRADE I MOVEMENT VOCABULARY AND SIMPLE PHRASES
GRADE II RHYTHM AND MOVEMENT RELATIONSHIPS
GRADE III PATTERNS AND CHOREOGRAPHIC CHOICES
GRADE IV DEVELOPING INTENTION AND ENSEMBLE AWARENESS
GRADE V ARTISTIC MEANING AND DOCUMENTATION
GRADE VI CRITERIA AND ANALYTICAL OBSERVATION
GRADE VII COMPARISON AND REFLECTIVE DECISION MAKING
GRADE VIII INDEPENDENT CHOICES AND COLLABORATIVE AUTHORSHIP
GRADE IX HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION
GRADE X HIGH SCHOOL CONSOLIDATION
GRADE XI HIGH SCHOOL SYNTHESIS
GRADE XII HIGH SCHOOL CAPSTONE AND ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP
Odissi Dance Teacher Training Application
Train to teach Odissi with clear lessons, safe movement practices, and an understanding of its cultural context. Applicants should have 3–5 years of intensive dance training or comparable professional experience, at least one year of formal or informal teaching experience, and a high school diploma or equivalent. A related bachelor’s degree is preferred. Describe your Odissi preparation below. The program combines online learning with an annual summer residency. It starts with the Summer Leadership Institute at UNC Charlotte. Three years of training cover:
Year 1 — Odissi foundations, rhythm, movement anatomy, and history.
Year 2 — Lesson planning, musicality, expression, and inclusive teaching.
Year 3 — Teaching practice, curriculum design, and a 45-minute assessed teaching session.
Certification also requires a final six-part portfolio and approval by the program’s review committee. The draft program allows an additional 1–2 years for portfolio completion. Certification is for teaching foundational Odissi within this program.
Applications and videos are reviewed for readiness. Admission includes an audition or movement review at the summer intensive. Accepted candidates participate in annual residencies, coursework, progress reviews, and teaching practice. The final portfolio is completed during training, not submitted with this application. It covers teaching philosophy, Odissi history, safe movement practice, rhythm and music, cultural ethics, and a curriculum unit or assessment plan.
Application Requirements
CONTACT INFORMATION
-
Full name
-
Preferred name and pronouns
-
Email
-
Phone
-
City state and country
-
Studio school or organization if applicable
TRAINING
-
Years of Odissi training
-
Primary teachers
-
Other dance training
-
Years of teaching experience
-
Highest qualification
-
Where do you teach or hope to teach? Check all that apply. ☐ K–12 school ☐ College or university ☐ Community arts program☐ Independent studio ☐ Other
-
Which Odissi works have you studied or performed? Check all that apply. ☐ Mangalacharan ☐ Batu or Sthayi ☐ Pallavi ☐ Abhinaya ☐ Moksha
STATEMENT OF INTEREST
Attach a 500–750 word statement answering these questions in plain language:
• Why do you want to join this program?
• What would you like to improve as an Odissi teacher?
• How do you help students learn safely and understand the dance’s cultural context?
• Who do you hope to teach, and how will this training support your goals?
