The arts are everywhere in our lives and have always been an important part of everyday human experiences. The arts are also a huge economic force in our world, from fashion to design to entertainment; they are all multi-billion dollar industries. Numerous studies have demonstrated a positive correlation between a balanced, comprehensive arts education and highly standardized testing for students. A comprehensive arts education program helps students develop self-esteem, self-discipline, cooperative skills, and self-motivation, all necessary for success in life. (Arts Education Partnership, 2006) A comprehensive elementary arts education program should include all 4 elements: dance, music, theater, and visual arts. DANCE Why? The first important element in art education is dance. The art of dance has existed since the beginning of time. Even before humans developed verbal and written language, they used movement to communicate and understand. The art of dance teaches students to appreciate our different cultures, beliefs and societies; children learn to connect with each other because dance is an important element in almost all cultures. Dance education will teach students the basic fundamentals of dance and choreography, self-discipline, concentration, problem solving and creativity. What content should be taught? Dance education should begin with the child's awareness of how creatively his body can move. They should learn the basics of movement and choreographic skills and how music and rhythms can play an important role in creating movement. They learn to work alone and/or with a partner to create movement. Students begin learning dance vocabulary and how to use their ears and...... middle of paper ......tion Partnership: http://www.aep-arts.org/publications/info. htm?publication_id=25&PHPSESSID=ec05412ba4a60e526cf1b5da5be89b2eNorth Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Arts Education. (2003). Art education teacher's manual. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from North Carolina Public Schools: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/artsed/resources/handbook/dance/01introductionSaraniero, P. (2010). Constructivism: actively constructing art education. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from Kennedy Center ArtsEdge: http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/educators/how-to/from-theory-to-practice/constructivism.aspxThe National Arts and Education Network. (n.d.). K-4 Standards in Dance, Music, Drama, and Visual Arts. Retrieved June 24, 2011, from Kennedy Center ArtsEdge: http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/educators/standards/full-text/K-4%20Standards%20by%20Arts%20Subject.aspx