ResDance Series 7: Episode 5: Reflections on ‘Shaking-Up’ Learning with Linzi McLagan

ResDance Series 7: Episode 5: Reflections on ‘Shaking-Up’ Learning with Linzi McLagan In this episode, Linzi shares insight into her experiences as an educator and lecturer in various educational settings.  Throughout the episode we discuss her dance research in Scottish Primary schools, reflecting upon the: ‘Shake It Up’ and ‘Step It Up’ projects at YDance which aim to raise attainment and support the confidence and skills of primary teachers delivering dance as part of the curriculum in Scottish schools. We discuss how dance might be used as a method to support the curriculum and the importance of managing expectations in research projects, whilst ensuring the voices of teachers and dance artists are heard. Linzi advocates for dance within the Education sector and shares the value of having a Head of Education role within organisations to bridge the gap between them and school settings. Linzi is a GTCS registered lecturer. She has various roles at Scottish Qualification Authority and is Head of Education at YDance (Scottish Youth Dance). At YDance, Linzi is principally responsible for the Education strand of the company’s work which includes strategic planning, management and delivery of education projects and events. Her role aims to promote the delivery of dance within the formal education sector and influence the future development of dance within the Scottish curriculum.  She has worked extensively throughout Scotland as a Dance Educationalist in Early Years, Primary, secondary and Further Education settings. Linzi has a passion for learning and teaching and is an advocate for dance within the Education sector. Her goal is to initiate and facilitate discussions that empower teachers as well as challenge their perceptions and tacit assumptions of dance. Contact details: Personal Email: linzimclagan@hotmail.com YDance Email: info@ydance.org Website: www.ydance.org Twitter: @LinziMclagan Useful Resources: ‘Shake It Up’: About Shake It Up | YDance ‘Shake It Up’ video footage: https://youtu.be/XLlPQN0cajg ‘Shake It Up’ Report Evaluation: YDance-Shake-It-Up-Programme-Evaluation-Final-Report.pdf ‘Step It Up’ video footage: https://youtu.be/8xI65e_Z4vs ‘Step It Up’ report evaluation: https://ydance.org/s/FINAL-YDance-Step-It-Up-Final-Report.pdf Please share this episode with students, educators, practitioners, performers, and interdisciplinary researchers curious to learn more about dance research in action.