Often one’s experience with dance as a child, especially growing up at a commercial studio, includes a physical and technical understanding of dance. At Dance Education Canada we have made it out mission to expand the understanding of dance beyond the realms of its physicality, to explore its unconscious experience, historical connections and physiology with the hopes of offering considerations to dance educators and studio owners for ways of incorporating a more wholistic dance education experience in their dance classes. These opportunities enrich dancers experience with, and understanding of, dance while opening minds and doors to the world of dance. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Deborah Williams who will give us some insight into her research surrounding the themes of social value and representation in dance.

GUEST: Dr Deborah Williams is a dancer and dance scholar, with expertise in anthropology and oral history of dance. She has a BA in Dance (Smith College), an MA in Dance Anthropology and a PhD (both from University of Roehampton). She currently teaches in the School of Performing Arts at the University of Malta and is engaged in a multi-year oral history project profiling all forms of dance/dancers, titled Red Dance Shoe Stories. She is also a collaborator and developer of the field of Ludochoreology, using anthropological and embodied dance expertise to inform the development of movement and world- building within online, digital games.

Disclaimer: Any and all ideas and information presented in the following podcast are those of the presenter. The presenter is not an employee or representative of Dance Education Canada (DEC), and is participating in this podcast on a voluntary basis. The ideas and information they express do not necessarily represent the views of the DEC or its partners, employees or affiliates. The ideas and information expressed herein are for general educational purposes only. They should not necessarily be applied to specific individual situations. DEC recommends consulting an expert or professional regarding specific medical, legal or business concerns. DEC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of this content. Please note that Canada's National Academy of Dance Education is now operating as Dance Education Canada.