Should dance be a compulsory part of school curriculum?

Earlier this week, I was speaking with one of my friends who is also a PE Teacher about delivering dance in schools. She told me that her, along with her fellow teachers would skip out on dance lessons as they feel they lack the skills and confidence to teach to their students. I also have another PE teacher friend who is currently in training who will regularly come to me and ask what she should do as she has to teach a dance class.

Following on from my interest in creative teaching and Early Years Dance I read an article online which really interested me. It said:

'Less curriculum time is spent on dance than any other art form in primary schools.'

Which made me think. Should it be compulsory for teachers to learn how to teach dance? We know the benefits that dance has in education:

'Schools recognise the potential for dance as a tool for fitness, creativity and social skills, and as a vehicle to interpret other subjects like maths.'

As a freelance Dance Teacher I would love to get into schools and pass on my passion for dance to the kids. So today, I have written to every primary school in my hometown to suggest that I come in and give a taster session to the children. I am really interested to see if I get any replies and what their opinions are of dance being taught in schools.

For my inquiry, I feel I am getting closer to a focused subject. I already know that dance and creative teaching has benefits from a young age but I would like to know if schools realise this and if it should be compulsory to have more teachers learning about dance education or if a dance specialist should be appointed to schools. I also realise there is a lack of funding given to arts projects in schools. Does this need to change? Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Here is the link to the full article:
http://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/magazine/267/article/more-dancing