Elaine is pictured before mountains and a sunset. She holds one hand in front of her chest and the other in front of her mouth, palms in.

Living and Sharing Pacific Island Culture

Elaine Talamaivao, a Polynesian dancer and educator and the director of Tala Mai Moana in Southern California, brings her lived experience with Samoan, Hawaiian, and Māori cultures to her community.

March 10, 2025  |  Read Article

A hoop dancer wearing vibrant regalia with yellow light dramatically lighting them and holding rings of hoops in intricate formations.

Creating a Stage to Share Native Culture

Woodland Sky Native American Dance Company tells historic stories using traditional Native American songs and dances with the goal of educating audiences about Native American stories, culture, and values.

March 3, 2025  |  Read Article

Kate has her arms in front of her face, one hand opening in front of her face and the other arm ending at the wrist. She wears a black shirt that says "The future is accessible." Her hair is in a bun.

Rethinking Disabled Leadership in Dance

Kate Marsh, a disabled dance artist, researcher, and an assistant professor at Coventry University in the UK, reflects on how the discourse on disability has evolved during her career.

February 6, 2025  |  Read Article

Several children follow a dance class on a wood floor.

Where Dance and Literacy Meet

Talia Bailes, director of Ballet and Books, describes how her nonprofit works nationally to reduce the literacy gap through the hybrid storytelling of dance and reading.

December 16, 2024  |  Read Article

Rethinking My Dance Education

Emmaly Wiederholt ponders how her pre-professional training might have been augmented by more exposure to Afro diasporic forms, and how some college dance programs are finally making that shift.

February 17, 2022  |  Read Article