Mission

The CoMotion Dance Project is in residence at the University of Montana and was developed by Karen Kaufmann, professor of dance. The company is an extension of the Mo-Trans Dance Company (founded in 1993). We reside in the School of Theatre and A CoMotion in MotionDance at The University of Montana and are served by the College of Visual and Performing Arts Advisory Board. We have been performing and teaching dance in Montana schools since 1995.

The mission and purpose of the CoMotion Dance Project is to increase the presence of dance in Montana schools and communities.

 

We promote our mission through:

  • Professional Development for Dance Teachers
    We prepare dance teaching artists to effectively share their art form in public schools.
  • Professional Development for Classroom Teachers
    Ranges from 1-hour after-school workshops to semester-long university courses for graduate credit.
  • Interdisciplinary Dance Curriculum
    Through MoDE, our highly trained dance educators develop K-12 curriculum integrating dance with math, science, language arts, social studies, health, theatre, music, art, and physical education.
  • Performances/Touring
    We choreograph and tour high-energy, live, contemporary dance that is artistic, educational, exciting, and interactive.
  • Service Learning
    We combine college students’ academic learning with the larger community through after-school dance classes, student touring, and teaching practicums.

  • Advocacy for Dance in Public Education
    The CoMotion Dance Project is pleased to announce: At its May 2012 meeting, the Montana Board of Public Education approved a Dance Education Area of Permissive Special Competency. A student who completes UM's minor in Dance with a specialization in Education (20-21 credits) through the School of Theatre & Dance, along with the requirements for a teaching certificate, will have the dance competency stamped on their teaching license. Principals can then hire highly capable dance teachers who have been specifically trained to use dance in educational settings.