How can dance teaching artists have a robust collection of dance books to use in their classes? Let me offer a few ideas.
School Librarian
If you teach in a K-8 school and haven’t already done so, get to know your librarian. Find out what dance books your school already has. Start a conversation about how you use dance books in your classes. If appropriate, offer the librarian a “wish list” of books you would love to see the library obtain. Some librarians will even let teachers “check out” a particular book for months at a time, so that you can have easy access in your classes.
Local Library
Teach at multiple sites around town? Your local library might become your best resource. Find out more about your closest branch, and introduce yourself to the children’s librarian. Offer a window into your work for him/her. Start a dialogue, and you most likely will gain a great ally for your work. Also find out about other library information that can support your projects. For example, my local library system has a great online catalog so I can search anytime for books. I can reserve books online and have them transferred from one branch to my closest one.
Ask for Funding
If you teach at a preschool, elementary school, or middle school, there might be some possible funding sources that can get you some books (funding sources outside of the typical “arts ed” realm). Talk to your principal or school director about how you are connecting to language arts/literacy in your dance classes; talk about how you are creating environments for multimodal learning and “language rich environments.” Most schools eagerly say yes to support any kind of language arts and literacy project.
You could also approach the PTA for funding as well.
Many communities also have education foundations, where district employees can apply for small grants to support specific projects. You could write a grant for $200-400 to build a dance book collection.
Used Books on amazon.com
Teach at various sites? Then you most likely will want to consider investing some of your own dollars into a dance book collection. Setting aside $200 can be a great start. If you file a Schedule C as an independent contractor, keep your receipts and write off the books as your teaching materials.
The best way to stretch your money is to search for used books on amazon.com.
Many dance books go out of print quickly, so I recommend buying books when they are on your radar and peak your interest. I know firsthand that many books have lasting value and can easily become a mainstay in your classes for many years.
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