Year 9–13 dance facilities
Secondary schools that offer dance at senior levels will probably need to plan for continued growth in numbers, as more and more senior students are working towards national qualifications in dance.
Dance demands plenty of floor area.* National qualifications moderators have pointed out that a common defect is students' work is their inability to use space well, which is probably a consequence of being taught in classrooms that have too little space for whole classes.
The other key requirements for senior dance facilities are high ceilings (preferably 4 metres), bare walls, good flooring, good ventilation, good sound equipment, and student changing areas.
As students progress, performance is an important element of the curriculum, so performance spaces need to be available, and they need to have large, good-quality sprung floors.
An increasing number of secondary schools have specialist dance studios. Others are converting existing large spaces to make them suitable for dance.
Schools with few senior dance students often attempt to use halls, gymnasiums, and other empty spaces. However, unless these spaces have suitable flooring, they are unlikely to encourage good dance practice.
Dance teachers point out the need for senior dance students to have access to the facility after school hours, because of the amount of practice required.
Health and safety
Health and safety is perhaps more of an issue for dance than for the other performing arts. Specifications regarding the provision and maintenance of floors, ceilings, and walls are important for safety.
Access to drinking water, good ventilation, and sealed floor surfaces that are washed and disinfected regularly all contribute to a healthy environment for dancers.
* For the Ministry of Education's allocation of floor area, see 'School Property Guides and space allocations' section in the 'Min Ed policies & guidelines' page.