This ‘Fun Philosophy Lesson’ is focused on philosophical and ethical issues that relate dance and dancing. It’s ideal for dance teachers to use with students aged 8-16 in order to help them understand the importance of dance on a deeper level. This interactive multi-use learning session is useful as a part of your schools performing arts provision and is of particular interest to teachers of dance it focuses on a wide range of topics such as: The value and purpose of dance The evolutionary psychology of dance Ecstatic Dance and the role of dance in spiritual development Ethical conduct and good manners on the dancefloor The importance of dance in social and emotional development The benefits of dancing for wider society and culture Dance Movement Therapy and the role of dance in fostering good mental health and treating mental illness . . The big question asked in this session is “Why do people dance?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and ethical questions such as: What, fundamentally, is dance? Why do some people enjoy dancing to music that evokes “negative” emotions such as anger, rage, tragedy or sadness? In what ways might a psychotherapist use dance as a tool for healing and treating mental illnesses? Why might dancing in a group or with a partner be uniquely beneficial in comparison with dancing alone? To what extent is it reasonable to say that “it is human nature to dance”? To what extent is there something politically rebellious about dancing freely and expressing oneself through dance? In terms of what one is doing with one’s mind: what is the essence of “skilful dancing”? . . This resource is suitable for students aged 8-16; due to the flexible nature of the sessions design it can be used for multiple hour-long sessions or as a short stimulating tutor-group activity. The file is a non-editable PowerPoint Show: no planning or preparation is required, just run the file and the intuitive menu system will make delivering a powerful philosophy session very easy!