DEL Tracing Footsteps — Journey Into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing!

Course Description: This six-week asynchronous course is designed for dance educators who are interested in investigating DEL’s Tracing Footsteps – Journey into Jazz Dance: Let’s Swing! curriculum, which was created in partnership with the NYC Department of Education Dance Division of the Arts Office.

This curriculum explores common themes related to the early roots of jazz dance and Lindy Hop explored across four grade bands: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. In this course, participants will gain access to the entire K-12 curriculum, including unit descriptions, lesson plans, Google Slide presentations, and original tutorial videos. Through direct engagement with the curriculum resources, jazz, swing and Lindy Hop will come to life through reflection, research, creating, performing and curriculum writing in order to gain new insight and strategies for bringing this exciting genre of dance into your own teaching practice.

Learning Objectives: Students will …

1. Engage with and embody components of the Tracing Footsteps Journey Into Jazz: Let’s Swing! curriculum
2. Learn strategies for exploring cultural and vernacular dance forms through social, political, and historical investigation
3. Deepen their understanding of the origins of jazz dance and Lindy Hop as distinctly African American art forms
4. Apply new insights gained from the Tracing Footsteps course content into research and practice

Course Format: Asynchronous – All course material online! Students receive access to all course materials for 1 Year.

Prerequisites: None

Study Options: Independent Study ($190) or Facilitated Study ($380)

Independent Study — Cost: $190

Independent Study courses offer students the freedom to learn at their own pace, allowing them to dedicate as much or as little time to the material as they choose. With no set deadlines, students have full control over the timing and progression of their learning. This format is best suited for those who prefer to study independently and autonomously. Students will retain access to course materials for one year, providing ample opportunity to revisit and review content at their convenience.

Facilitated Study — Cost: $380

Facilitated Study courses offer a more structured and interactive learning experience, ideal for students who value consistent feedback, community engagement, and a clear course timeline. Students will submit weekly assignments, along with a final assignment, and receive written feedback from facilitators. Courses may include discussion boards for peer interaction and all feature a mid-course Zoom meeting where students can meet their cohort, engage with peers, and connect directly with the course facilitator for additional support and guidance. Designed for students who thrive in a guided, collaborative setting, this format requires approximately 3 hours of engagement per week. Additionally, all Facilitated Study courses are eligible for undergraduate credit through DEL’s partnership with SUNY Empire State University for a separate and additional fee. Facilitated Study Course Dates: Jun 23 – Aug 3, 2025, with final assignments due Aug 17, 2025.

Credits:

Students may take this course for SUNY Empire State University credit for a separate and additional fee, and will receive 4 undergraduate credits.

Educators can also receive New York State CTLE credits for completed DEL courses.

Discounts:

• NYCDOE dance specialists get 50% off every DEL course.
• NYCDOE common branch teachers get 10% off every DEL course.
• NYCDOE Arnhold New Teachers get DEL courses free for their first and second year teaching in the DOE.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available through 92NY. General 92NY scholarship information and applications

Must register by Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to [email protected].

Meet Your Instructors

Dawn DiPasquale

Dawn DiPasquale (MA Dance Education, NYU) is a former Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance and Musical Theater at Wichita State University, teaching modern, musical theater and tap dance. She is a PreK-5 Creative Dance Teaching Artist in NYC public schools for 92NY School Engagement in the Arts and NY City...

Read More About Dawn DiPasquale