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The Role of Dance in Supporting Social Inclusion and Skill Development for Children Experiencing Complex Needs

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Title: The Role of Dance in Supporting Social Inclusion and Skill Development for Children Experiencing Complex Needs
Language: English
Authors: Maitreyee Buragohain (ORCID 0000-0002-9708-8162)
Source: Support for Learning. 2026 41(2).
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 7
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Interpersonal Competence, Special Needs Students, Dance, Skill Development, Special Education, Students with Disabilities, Children, Dance Education, Foreign Countries, Student Attitudes, Parent Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Inclusion
Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
DOI: 10.1111/1467-9604.70038
ISSN: 0268-2141
1467-9604
Abstract: This article examines how dance has been used to help children experiencing complex needs (CECN) improve their social skills and encourage inclusion within local communities. Building on initial research conducted in India where I trained as a dancer and completed my MA work in a school for children with special educational needs (SEN), this study reflects a continued commitment to exploring the role of dance in inclusive education. The current research, conducted in two UK schools, involved teaching dance to groups of CECN alongside participant observation through video recordings of the lessons. Interviews with pupils, parents and teachers further informed the study. The research aimed to address four main questions regarding the benefits of dance, particularly in enhancing social interactions and promoting inclusion. Findings reveal that dance plays a crucial role in improving communication, self-confidence and social integration for CECN. The study provides encouraging results and highlights the potential of dance as an effective tool for inclusion and social development, suggesting that further research is needed to explore its full potential and application in educational settings.
Abstractor: As Provided
Notes: https://pure.northampton.ac.uk
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506793
Database: ERIC
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  Data: The Role of Dance in Supporting Social Inclusion and Skill Development for Children Experiencing Complex Needs
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Maitreyee+Buragohain%22">Maitreyee Buragohain</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9708-8162">0000-0002-9708-8162</externalLink>)
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  Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22United+Kingdom%22">United Kingdom</searchLink>
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  Data: This article examines how dance has been used to help children experiencing complex needs (CECN) improve their social skills and encourage inclusion within local communities. Building on initial research conducted in India where I trained as a dancer and completed my MA work in a school for children with special educational needs (SEN), this study reflects a continued commitment to exploring the role of dance in inclusive education. The current research, conducted in two UK schools, involved teaching dance to groups of CECN alongside participant observation through video recordings of the lessons. Interviews with pupils, parents and teachers further informed the study. The research aimed to address four main questions regarding the benefits of dance, particularly in enhancing social interactions and promoting inclusion. Findings reveal that dance plays a crucial role in improving communication, self-confidence and social integration for CECN. The study provides encouraging results and highlights the potential of dance as an effective tool for inclusion and social development, suggesting that further research is needed to explore its full potential and application in educational settings.
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  Data: https://pure.northampton.ac.uk
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        Value: 10.1111/1467-9604.70038
    Languages:
      – Text: English
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        PageCount: 7
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        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Special Needs Students
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      – SubjectFull: Dance
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      – SubjectFull: Skill Development
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      – SubjectFull: Special Education
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      – SubjectFull: Students with Disabilities
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      – SubjectFull: Children
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      – SubjectFull: Dance Education
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      – SubjectFull: Foreign Countries
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Parent Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Teacher Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Inclusion
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      – SubjectFull: United Kingdom
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