Letter From the Editor: Creating Safe and Respectful Dance Spaces
For generations, dance teachers have relied on physical touch to guide and even mold their students’ bodies into alignment. Certainly, touch can be an effective teaching tool—but is it always appropriate? What happens when dancers start feeling uncomfortable? What if they simply prefer not to be touched?
We’re tackling this sensitive topic in our upcoming DT+ Teacher Talk, “Consent Practices in Dance Education.” On Thursday, July 17, at 12 pm EDT, guest speakers Elaine DiFalco Daugherty, assistant theater professor at Central Michigan University, and Heather Trommer-Beardslee, associate dance professor at CMU—co-authors of the book Consent Practices in Performing Arts Education—will be in conversation with Pointe’s editor in chief, Amy Brandt. Register for this discussion now by clicking here.
Also this month, keep an eye out for Pacific Northwest Ballet corps member Ashton Edwards’ tribute to a beloved teacher from their childhood; tips to help your students beat the heat when performing outside; and a video lesson plan from bharatanatyam artist and educator Sahasra Sambamoorthi. Plus, we’ve got a list of recent dance books you might want to add to your summer docket. Happy reading!
Best,
Kathryn Holmes
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