Conditions of Dance in Morocco : Interviews and observations of Adults and Children involved in Dance activities in Marrakech

Abstract: The overall purpose of this study was to deepen our knowledge about dance in general and about dance activities for children in particular, in Morocco. Consequently, we attempted to gain insight and understanding of the social and political premises to dance in this context. We further intended to study how children were involved in dance activities. A qualitative study was carried out during a stay of eight weeks in Marrakech. Data was mainly collected through participant observations in the field of dance and children and adults were interviewed. In addition, a quantitative based opinion survey was carried out among seven dance teachers. The results showed that in spite of the fact that traditional folk dancing is frequently practiced in the Moroccan culture, there was a difficulty for the art of dance to gain ground. The access to dance activities was limited due to insufficient political and economical support and also because of the social conceptions prevailing in the Moroccan society. However, dance was highly valued by children that took part in dance education. Both children and dance teachers expressed that dancing enhanced the children's self esteem, emotional communication and aesthetic experiences. In the light of the theory of multiple intelligences the respondents foremost referred to the personal intelligence as being promoted by dancing. The perspective of the child did not receive much attention in governmental policies. The access to dance activities for children was much relying on the cultural and economic capital of the family. Among people involved in the general field of dance, the knowledge on dance showed broad and despite the obvious challenges they were eager to continue their work for the art of dance.