LibGuides: Diversity in Dance: Take Action

On this page you will find practical resources to support diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of dance.

Dance Education Equity Association
Provides training and community collaboration to embed anti-racism, anti-othering, and anti-abuse practices into dance education.

Beyond Hierarchy: Reimagining African Diaspora Dance in Higher Education Curricula
By Takiyah Nur Amin. Black Scholar, vol. 46, no. 1 (2016).
Decolonizing Dance Curriculum in Higher Education: One Credit at a Time
By Nyama McCarthy-Brown. Journal of Dance Education, vol. 14, no. 4 (2014).
Developing and Sustaining an Inclusive Dance Program: Strategic Tools and Methods
BY Merry Lynn Morris, Marion Baldeon, and Dwayne Scheuneman. Journal of Dance Education, vol. 15, no. 3 (2015).
Diversity Is the New Black
By Theresa Ruth Howard. Dance Magazine, vol. 90, no. 1 (2016).
Two is not Enough: How to Foster a More Gender-Inclusive Studio Environment
By Zachary Whittenburg. Dance Magazine, vol 94, no. 2 (2020).

Brain-Compatible Dance Education by Anne Green Gilbert
Call Number: GV1589 G55 2019 [Allen shelves]
Presents the latest brain research and its implications for dance educators and dancers, plus lesson plans for all ages.
Dance, Access and Inclusion by Stephanie Burridge, Charlotte Svendler Nielsen (Editors)
Call Number: GV1799.2 D353 R687 2018 [Allen shelves]
Considers dance for young people with special needs and presents best practice scenarios in schools, communities, and the professional sphere.
Dance Pedagogy for a Diverse World by Nyama McCarthy-Brown
Call Number: GV1589 M32 2017 [Allen shelves]
How to diversify ballet classes and dance history courses, choreographing dance about socially charged issues, incorporating Native American dances into the curriculum, and more.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Long praised for celebrating African-American culture and American modern dance. Also supports multiple outreach initiatives to bring dance into communities around the U.S.
AXIS Dance Company
One of the first contemporary dance companies to feature dancers with physical disabilities. See their information on Resources for further reading.
Ballet Black
Celebrates dancers of Black and Asian descent. See their Auditions page, or consult their Equality Resources for creating equality in dance companies and schools.
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
Recognized for breaking stereotypical dance boundaries related to gender, race, body type, style, culture, and more.

An Introduction to Community Dance Practice by Diane Amans (Editor)
Call Number: GV1588.6 I587 2017 [Allen shelves]
Prepares students for the realities of employment in community dance practice. Combines lively discussion with practical advice on the duty of care, inclusive practice, and project coordination.
Shifting Cultural Power by Hope Mohr
Call Number: GV1588.6 M64 2021 [Allen shelves]
A reckoning with white cultural power, and a call to transform our approach to relationships among artists and within arts organizations.

Promoting Racial Equity in Ballet: Strategies and Challenges
Dissects the challenges ballet companies face in promoting racial equity, and identifies strategies being implemented to address those challenges.

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).