Connection Between Involvement in Dance and Building Character: An Analysis of Student Behavior

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dance involvement on high school students’ behaviors. This quantitative and qualitative study was designed to answer the three essential questions and to determine the connection if any between involvement in dance class, and changes in students’ character traits and behaviors. The research instruments were a student character trait survey, student interviews, and observation forms. The study is based from the seven character traits listed in Paul Tough’s book, How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character and from the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP). The seven character traits are grit, curiosity, self-control, zest, gratitude, social intelligence, and optimism. One goal of the study was to make or help students become aware of the seven character traits and begin implementing them in their daily lives. Character education is important in schools because sometimes success is not defined by the highest grade in the class. Tough argues that the qualities that make people successful have more to do with character than with scoring the highest on tests. If students have a hard time in school, they can still become successful if they possess the seven character traits. If they are hardworking and determined, anything is possible