A history of the outstanding K-12 dance program in Vancouver, Washington, is provided, including various strategies used to promote its growth from a few pilot elementary schools through middle schools to an arts magnet high school. Numerous changes have been weathered by the professional dance staff, including certification challenges instigated…

Today, with the requirements of NCLB and state standards, schools are locked into a culture that seems to assume one size fits all. Teachers' focus is on preparing students to pass tests rather than on developing thoughtful curriculum. In this article, the authors discuss how teachers can move away from the constraints of disciplines and topics…