Efforts to Develop Students' Talents and Interests in the Arts Through Children's Dance Activities at Elementary Schools

Abstract

The purpose of writing this article is to describe efforts to develop students' talents and interests in the arts at the Madrasah Ibtidaiyah level, especially through children's dance activities. This effort is considered an important step in supporting students' creativity, improving their expressive abilities, and preserving cultural arts that are starting to be eroded by modernization. The research method used is descriptive research , which is a method that aims to describe and explain phenomena systematically based on the data obtained. The results of the research analysis show that the development of students' talents and interests can be done through children's dance accompanied by songs such as Javanese songs that are packaged with Islamic nuances . This activity is supported by the enthusiasm of students who feel happier and more enthusiastic when practicing, thus encouraging their motivation in the arts. However, there are challenges that arise when some children have difficulty memorizing dance movements when taught by the trainer. Therefore, regular evaluation, innovative learning strategies, and additional practice hours are needed to increase the effectiveness of activities. This effort is expected to maximize students' artistic potential while preserving traditional arts from an early age.