Bangkok Patana School recently had the pleasure of hosting the first-ever FOBISIA Dance JAWS (Job-Alike Workshop) – a landmark professional learning event designed to connect and empower dance educators from across the region. Over a day and a half, the workshop brought together 16 teachers from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and India, all united by a shared passion for dance education and creative pedagogy.
Workshops explored both practical and pedagogical approaches, including creative warm-ups, indirect instruction, and innovative ways to embed hip-hop meaningfully within school curricula. Each session offered a blend of inspiration and tangible classroom strategies. Highlights included a rhythmical warm-up activity called Popcorn!, which challenged participants’ sense of timing and spatial awareness; an exploration of motor creativity through object observation; and choreography sessions utilising hip-hop fundamentals such as the Bart Simpson and Happy Feet. Together, these experiences encouraged educators to consider how playfulness, structure, and creativity can coexist in the Dance classroom.
The event’s centrepiece was an energetic Swing Dance workshop with guest artist Dax Hock, who brought his expert knowledge and international experience to the studio. Dax joyfully guided participants through his six layers of dance learning – a framework that explores rhythm, groove, and expression – and introduced the concept of finding the “fun zone” for learners, where confidence, creativity, and joy interplay in learning. The session left everyone smiling, connected, and reminded of why learning dance is such a powerful tool.
Beyond the practical learning, JAWS offered a rare opportunity for Dance educators to engage in rich professional dialogue, sharing challenges and successes from their diverse contexts. The atmosphere was one of openness and generosity, with teachers exchanging ideas, resources, and encouragement. The Dance Academy is proud to have hosted this inaugural gathering – one that not only celebrated the art of dance but also reaffirmed the power of community in shaping the future of dance education across Asia. We can’t wait for the next one!
