Dance as a form of protest I believe that dance is the ultimate form of protest, especially in our modern world. In a world that seems to unfold behind screens, dance is conscious physical embodiment. In a world that seems increasingly isolated in spite of our...
Why dance history matters The history of dance as an art form is complex, nuanced, and vast, with roots in social dances, religious rituals, rites of passage, and politics. As dancers, it is important for us to understand that history, to know how the dance...
Like author Alice Walker, I believe that “hard times require furious dancing.” I have written, time and time again, that dance has the potential to empower individuals, unite communities, and be a force for good in the world. But when I first learned that schools and...
Changing attitudes towards dancer wellness I grew up in what I like to call the “suck it up, buttercup” era of dance training. Thirsty during class? Suck it up, buttercup – if a camel can go weeks without water, you can go 90 minutes. Injured? Suck it up,...
Why resiliency matters in the dance studio Dancers are nothing if not resilient. We walk confidently into classes, rehearsals, competitions, auditions, and performances, knowing that no matter how difficult the combinations or how stern the choreographer,...