DEL Foundations

Overview

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 

The DEL Foundations online course provides an overview of the key components of the nationally acclaimed 92NY DEL Model of teaching dance in a wide variety of learning contexts. This 10-week asynchronous course is based on the highly popular DEL Foundations course that has been taught at 92NY DEL in New York City since DEL’s inception in 1995. Developed by DEL Founder, Jody Gottfried Arnhold with Ann Biddle as Founding Faculty, the course has evolved and adapted over its long history. This current iteration has been updated by Ann Biddle and Catherine Gallant and reflects current 21st-century dance education practices.

Updated and modified as an asynchronous learning experience, participants in this course explore 92NY DEL’s comprehensive and inclusive model of dance education. Participants will be introduced to the DEL Dance Framework, based on LMA as applied to dance education, as an organizing system for dynamic dance making and scaffolded lesson planning. Participants interact in the online community by engaging in collaborative choreography, dance elements and skills, and self and peer reflection. In addition, participants gain an understanding of broad developmental benchmarks and effective and inspired teaching strategies to support diverse learners in a culturally responsive environment and align with local, state and/or national dance standards. Finally, participants in this course articulate a vision statement that represents their core Teacher’s Heart and consider applications of the DEL Model to one’s unique environment.

The DEL Foundations curriculum is aligned with the NYC Blueprint for Teaching and Learning in the Arts: Dance Pre-K – 12 and the National Core Arts Standards in Dance (NCCAS).

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Students will:

• Explore the key components of the DEL Model: Artistry and Dance-Making; Dance Vocabulary; Culturally Responsive Practices; Curriculum Design; Supporting Diverse Learners; Inspired and Inclusive Practices; Resources and Technology
• Understand the philosophical and educational roots of dance education
• Examine the contributions of Rudolf Laban and explore applied Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) as a framework for dance making
• Design DEL lesson plans using the DEL Dance framework
• Work collaboratively with peers through group choreographic tasks and peer feedback/reflection
• Understand how to meaningfully connect dance to other disciplines (i.e., language arts & science)
• Create meaningful and age-appropriate dance experiences for diverse populations within an inclusive learning environment

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

Prerequisites: None

Study Options: Independent Study or Facilitated Study

Independent Study

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.

INDEPENDENT STUDY REGISTRANTS WILL RECEIVE COURSE ACCESS THE TUESDAY FOLLOWING THEIR REGISTRATION

Facilitated Study

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:  October 12 – December 20, 2026, with final assignments due Jan 3, 2027.

Credits:

Students may take this course for SUNY Empire State University credit for a separate and additional fee, and will receive 6 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 are found HERE. 

Must register by Wednesday, October 7, 2026.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to DanceEdLab@92ny.org.

Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima for Nel Shelby Productions.