Inclusive Dance Teaching

Inclusive dance teaching: empowering every child to dance

Dance is for every child. Inclusive dance teaching creates safe, welcoming environments where children of all abilities, with or without disability, can move, express themselves, and thrive.

AllPlay Dance is an evidence-based teaching model designed to make inclusive dance a reality in every studio and classroom. Co-created by Professor Nicole Rinehart (Monash University) and Dr Olivia Millard (Deakin University), AllPlay Dance brings together expertise in neurodevelopment and dance education to support teachers, families, and communities.

In 2018, Ausdance VIC partnered with AllPlay Dance as part of Big Dance to develop specialist content and expand access to inclusive dance teaching resources across Australia.

Giant Steps practicing inclusive dance teaching for Big Dance 2018. — *Giant Steps* practicing Big Dance 2018.

Why inclusive dance matters

Research shows that when children dance, they gain more than just physical benefits — their social, emotional, and learning outcomes improve too. Inclusive dance classes allow all children to engage meaningfully and joyfully, supporting their growth and wellbeing. Teachers and studios can create inclusive environments that benefit everyone with a few simple strategies.

Get started in three simple steps

Whether you’re new to inclusive teaching or looking to enhance your skills, start here:

Learn about the children you teach

Learn about the children you teach and why they want to dance.

Learn inclusive strategies

Read about the basics of inclusion, including the TREE teaching/coaching approach.

Learn about disabilities and barriers

Learn to adapt your teaching practices to better support children of all abilities.

Explore the resources

AllPlay Dance provides free, evidence-based resources for dance teachers, studios, and families, developed in collaboration with community members and specialists. These tools support children with a wide range of disabilities, including: