Overview

The DEL Essentials course is an introductory course that provides an overview of the key components of the DEL model of teaching dance to children and teenagers.

In this 3-day, in-person course, participants will deepen their understanding of the benefits of a comprehensive dance education and explore the DEL pedagogy through a range of learning activities which will include guided movement exploration using the DEL Dance Framework, basics of lesson planning and design, and collaborative dance-making strategies. Learning activities will be anchored in student-centered, inclusive, and culturally responsive instructional practices, centered in social-emotional learning (SEL) competencies. Students will:

• Apply the DEL Dance Framework to lesson planning and dance making
• Understand the benefits of a comprehensive dance education
• Explore the concept of the DEL Movement Sentence in varied ways
• Design meaningful lesson plans following the DEL Lesson Plan format
• Gain an overview of how to support learners in all developmental stages
• Engage with current dance education standards, including state and national dance standards
• Work collaboratively to create group dances with peers.

Dates: June 29-July 1, 2026 |10 AM - 4 PM 

Facilitators: Jody Gottfried Arnhold, MA, CMA, Ann Biddle, MA

Pricing: $325 until June 17 | $375 after

Credits:

Students may take this in-person course for SUNY Empire State University credit for a separate and additional fee, and will receive 3 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.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out.

Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima for Nel Shelby Productions.

Must register by Wednesday, June 24, 2026.