Amy Earp is a Specialist Subject Lead Tutor for Dance. Amy joined NITE in 2022 as a University Lead Mentor and a Visiting Assessor, after 15 years teaching in both the independent and state sectors. She then went on to write and launch NITE’s PGCE in secondary dance education. Amy has held many roles across her career. She has worked as an examination board moderator, on national dance teaching boards, has supported in-house teacher training, mentoring and Continuous Professional Development. She is also the founder of two Saturday dance training schools, with many pupils completing GCSE and A-Level dance and continuing to top dance conservatoires and universities. Here, she discusses the many wide-reaching benefits of dance education for our young people.
Inclusive dance
Dance should be accessible to every pupil, not just those who identify as dancers or perform at an elite level. It is a subject that provides opportunities for all young people to succeed, regardless of their experience, ability or background. An inclusive approach to dance education creates a supportive environment where pupils feel valued, confident and willing to take creative risks. Through movement, pupils can develop confidence, creativity, communication skills and a sense of belonging, while discovering new ways to express themselves. Success in dance should be measured not only by technical ability, but also by personal growth, participation, collaboration and the willingness to engage. By embracing inclusivity, dance becomes a powerful tool for empowering every pupil to realise their potential and develop skills that extend far beyond the studio or classroom.
Core curriculum
Dance deserves a central place within the school curriculum because it offers far more than physical activity alone. Through creativity, collaboration and movement, dance supports pupils' physical, emotional, social and cognitive development, making it a truly holistic subject. It provides opportunities for young people to build confidence, develop communication and teamwork skills, think creatively and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. As an inclusive and accessible subject, dance can inspire participation, promote wellbeing and foster a sense of achievement for all pupils.
Cross-Curricular Connections
Dance offers a unique opportunity to bring learning to life by making meaningful links with other subjects across the curriculum. Exploring themes and topics from areas such as history, English, science or geography through movement can deepen understanding and encourage creativity. For some pupils, dance can feel unfamiliar or outside their comfort zone, so drawing on concepts they already know helps create a sense of familiarity, confidence and engagement. This approach makes learning more accessible while highlighting the relevance and versatility of dance as a subject.
Life Skills through Dance
Dance is much more than learning movement and performance skills; it is a powerful tool for developing essential life skills that support pupils both in and beyond the classroom. Through dance, young people build confidence by taking creative risks, performing in front of others and expressing their ideas in a supportive environment. Through teamwork and collaboration, pupils learn to communicate effectively, work towards shared goals and respect the contributions of others.
Dance also develops resilience, teaching pupils to embrace challenges, persevere through difficulties and learn from mistakes. At the same time, it provides an outlet for self-expression, allowing young people to explore their identities, emotions and experiences in a meaningful and creative way. These transferable skills help pupils grow into confident, adaptable and well-rounded individuals, making dance an invaluable part of their education.
Why train to teach Dance with NITE
Training with NITE means joining a supportive, practice‑focused route into teaching. Dance is offered as a subject specialism on all our secondary PGCE and Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship routes. Whichever route you choose to suit your own individual circumstances, you’ll learn from experienced educators while developing your skills in real classrooms. NITE programmes emphasise reflective practice, personalised support and high‑quality mentoring, helping you grow into a confident, capable teacher ready to make a meaningful difference.
If you want to inspire young people through dance, and have a school ready to support you, NITE's Dance secondary subject specialism offers a pathway that blends academic learning with hands‑on experience — preparing you for a rewarding and impactful career in education. To find out more, contact us.
