I
n the heart of an innovative partnership, a unique blend of art and science unfolds,
bringing together nursing and dance students in an extraordinary collaboration.
TCU’s School of Nursing & School for Classical & Contemporary Dance (SCCDance) have partnered together through TCU Extended Education’s Pilates Teacher Training Program (PTTP), bringing together the interests of two distinct fields: dance and nursing.
Intended to support students in both majors achieve personal and professional goals, this partnership supports the expansion of two relatively new programs at TCU to grow: the Bebout Wellness Center Initiative, which originated in 2019, and the PTTP, which originated in 2018.
“Most people don’t think about it, but nursing students often rely on others to experience the best learning,” explained Associate Professor of Nursing Danielle Walker ’03.
“They need patients and to touch, feel and talk to people about their experiences in order to apply concepts into the real world – experiential learning is inherent in their learning practices. The same is true for dance majors: a large portion of their learning happens in practice.”
Integrating Pilates with Health Sciences
Upon acceptance, the PTTP juniors and seniors complete a 700-hour certificate program that includes intense training outside of the regular school year and overlaps with requirements in Pilates, functional anatomy and somatics in the Bachelor of Fine Arts dance curriculum.
Somatics is a branch of bodywork and movement studies that focuses on the experience and perception of the inside body. TCU Nursing students commit to a four-week class with a strong desire to advance and absorb new knowledge.
“We were really interested in the Bebout Wellness Center’s values of helping the nursing students put into practice what they were learning about anatomy and physiology, how the body works and how to take care of their own bodies,” explained Emerita Professor in Classical & Contemporary Dance and PTTP Coordinator Susan Douglas Roberts, MFA.
As caregivers of others and to be present and healthy to so that, TCU’s nursing students must engage in practices of taking care of themselves.”
Each class begins with setting up for Mat or small group equipment practice. The PTT then guides the practitioners through warm-up, the main portion of the session and a quick, integrative finish.
“There is nothing like seeing a person grow two inches, breathe more fully, and walk out of a studio with confidence and ease after only 50 minutes,” said Douglas Roberts. “It is also affirming to see practitioners return the next week, incorporating change.”
Enhancing Teaching Skills and Patient Care
The PTTP blends hands-on training for executing exercises with insights on function, efficiency and bone alignment, incorporating visual aids and positive reinforcement. Certified Pilates instructors from the dance department participate in alternating sessions, offering PTTP participants in-depth critiques on their teaching style, techniques and overall demeanor as instructors and leaders.
In joining this opportunity, nursing students learn vital self-care practices and body mechanics that can improve patient care. It's beneficial for students, offering a unique educational experience that transcends academic boundaries.
The nursing students have shared joy in learning essential self-care knowledge and have found satisfaction in aiding their peers through the teaching process. Meanwhile, dance students express their appreciation to the nursing students for their commitment and the chance to practice in environments similar to the studios they expect to work in after finishing their studies.
My favorite part about the classes is that they are small, allowing us to grow our skills each week," said nursing student Holly Aiello ’25.
"The instructors were able to give us feedback in real-time to correct the various exercises we did, which I greatly appreciated. I also heard the instructor's praising participants after witnessing their growth over time, which I think is amazing.”
This practical application went beyond textbooks, allowing nursing students to experience the healing effects of physical activity and mindful breathing firsthand. Similarly, dance students were given the opportunity to utilize their skills in critical physical assessment, learning to quickly adapt their instructions to meet the immediate needs of individuals.
In fall 2023, the program facilitated the enrollment of 40 nursing students to take the Pilates classes, and in spring 2024 this number surged to 60 students participating.
I want to intentionally create opportunities for our students to reflect on the experience and integrate that experience into their educational journey,” said Walker.