What is Stance on Dance?

Stance on Dance is a 501c3 dance journalism nonprofit that educates the dance community and wider audiences about dance from the perspective of underrepresented voices and access points. We do this through publishing and distributing content.

Through our wide array of international content — essays, interviews, podcasts, poetry, cartoons and more — Stance on Dance expands conversation beyond studios and theaters to illuminate the breadth and impact of dance as a practice.

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Here’s a taste of our content:

The Discussing Disability in Dance Book is a collaboration between Emmaly Wiederholt and Silva Laukkanen with illustrations by Liz Brent-Maldonado. The project aims to investigate stereotypes often used to describe dancers with disabilities.

Illustration of Toby Macnutt leaning on crutches

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The Dancing Over 50 Book is authored by Emmaly Wiederholt with photographs by Gregory Bartning. Through interviewing and photographing more than 50 dancers over age 50 along the West Coast, they demonstrate the grace and beauty in a body of any age.

Naomi Gedo Diouf smiling and reaching for the front

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DanceCast is a series of podcasts by Silva Laukkanen, who interviews dance artists utilizing dance in non-traditional ways.

Three dancers on a white stage

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The “Making It” essay series asks different dance artists at various stages of their careers whether they feel they’ve “made it.” It begs the introspection of what success and recognition mean in the pursuit of dance.

Megan Kurashige in black and white reaching front

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“Where Are You With Dance Right Now?” tracks four dancer’s growth each year and charts their path and evolution through dance.

Felicitas Fischer standing against a brick wall

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In honor of National Poetry Month in April, Stance on Dance features poetry written by dancers and/or inspired by dance.

Illustration of dancer silhouette against raindrops

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Where Dance Is offers an alternative perspective to the paradigm that rigorous dance only exists in large metropolitan areas.

Two dancers doing a lift on a wooden stage in the woods

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The Bunion is the dance version of the satire publication The Onion and seeks to poke fun of and mock the more absurd elements of dance culture.

Back and front views of an illustration of a few dance belt

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Other topics have included the definition of professional dance, women in leadership positions, social activism in dance, an examination of contemporary dance, discourse on ballet’s relevance, the changing face of dance journalism, the experience of being a solo artist, what it means to quit dance, self care, male dancer stereotypes and more. Check out more interviews, essays and funny stuff by following the links or searching the site. Or follow Stance on Dance on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram to stay up to date with all the stances on dance!