Ballet. Tap. Jazz. That's the very basic core curriculum for many dance studios. While a well-rounded dance education is key for nurturing a well-rounded dancer, many times the idioms included in their training lack cultural diversity. Including multicultural dance in such genres as African, Afro-Jazz, Indian, Latin, etc., to just name a few, will transform a dancer’s education and begin to create awareness on a social level. By making multicultural dance (and dance history) a priority, we open the eyes of young dancers who may never have been exposed to it in the first place, while learning about the history of its origins. This is a changing world and the dance world is no exception. We need to get up to speed, starting with our youngest students.
As studio owners, you are in a prime position to consider the inclusion of these kinds of dance classes and it's certainly time dancers are expanding their scope of vernacular and movement styles, as well as the history in which they come. We ensure our dancers learn about ballet dance history and jazz history but that's usually where it ends. There are endless styles from around the world which will enrich their foundation as a dancer as well. Fusion of dance styles is seen at every turn. It is the future and training dancers in all forms is pivotal for their growth, professionally and as a human being.
There are many, many ways you can expose your kids to classes other than the basics. Make these classes a part of your core curriculum. Bring in a Bollywood teacher in for a masterclass, have a month long weekend workshop series on African Dance and offer a new series each month. Offer a flamenco class once a month in place of their usual jazz class. Take dancers on a field trip to see a Chinese dance performance with a masterclass afterwards.
The ways to incorporate new dance styles and broaden the multicultural scope are endless. The problem is, we often don't think to even try it and apply it as the norm. We don't place enough weight on the importance of it. Young dancers need to understand all aspects of dance not just from Western culture and that initial exposure, respect and appreciation starts with the training at your studio. That also means we have to continue our own education as well, as teachers and studio owners. The world is getting smaller and smaller and wouldn't it be wonderful to foster inclusion on all levels and share that through dance?
Good luck to all. Stay safe.
See you in the dance studio,
Jess
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