This study aims to describe the use of Concept Mapping and the application of concept maps in improving students' mastery of dance learning at SMA N 2 Padang Panjang. The type of research is Classroom Action Research (PTK) concept mapping method which is carried out in 2 cycles. This research instrument is in the form of observation sheets and practice tests. Data were collected through literature studies, observations, interviews, standardized tests and documentation. The data was analyzed using the percentage formula. The results of the study show that the use of the concept mapping method can improve students' thinking skills in learning cultural arts (dance), namely the concept and variety of Minangkabau traditional dances at SMA N 2 Padang Panjang. Students' abilities increase because they are given actions and are given repeated exercises in the learning process. The use of the concept map method in learning dance art is able to trigger students' enthusiasm and activeness in learning process activities. This can be seen from the increase in student learning activities from each meeting and from the test results of each cycle. The results obtained in the first cycle the average class obtained was 58.8% with poor criteria, at the end of the second cycle, the average class also increased where the results obtained were 70.3%, with good criteria. The increase from cycle I to cycle II was 11.5%.
 

Cultural arts learning is one of the compulsory subjects taught at the Junior High School (SMP) level. Through cultural arts at school, students are able to express themselves and channel their creativity. In learning, student motivation is an important factor in determining student success in achieving understanding. Because motivation will influence a person's desire to do something. This study was conducted to describe student motivation towards learning cultural arts (music) in class VIII C at SMPN 2 Batang Gasan District. In conducting this study, the researchers employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive method. The study focused on grade VIII students of SMPN 1 Batang Gasang, with the sample group being determined using the cluster random sampling technique. The selected sample consisted of students from class VIII C. To gather data, a questionnaire was distributed to the students, which was designed based on indicators of intrinsic and extrinsic learning motivation. The collected data was then analyzed using the average equation and subjected to descriptive analysis. Based on the results of the research obtained, it can be concluded that student motivation towards learning cultural arts (music) in class VIII C at SMPN 2 Batang Gasan District is obtained for internal motivation with an average value of 75.7% in the high category. As for extrinsic motivation, the average value is 65.32% in the high category. Overall, student motivation obtained an average value of 70.51% in the high category. Therefore, student motivation at SMPN 1 Batang Gasan can be categorised as high towards learning cultural arts, especially in music.