Reimagining Physical Education for Performing Arts Students: A Holistic, Discipline-Specific Approach

This article advances a reimagined model of physical education (PE) that integrates practices from dance, theater, and music to strengthen student health, creativity, and performance. Rather than positioning PE and the arts as separate domains, it argues for cross-disciplinary integration in which physical literacy, injury prevention, and expressive movement are shared priorities. Drawing on recent research and case studies, such as creative dance in Norwegian PE teacher education, the article illustrates how artistic strategies like breathwork, postural control, improvisation, and collaborative exercises can enrich PE curricula. Recommendations include tailoring programs to discipline specific demands, incorporating mind-body practices such as yoga and somatic movement, and adopting flexible scheduling to accommodate rehearsal and performance contexts. By embedding artistic principles into PE, educators can create inclusive and responsive learning environments that cultivate resilience, foster embodied creativity, and promote lifelong physical and artistic well-being.