How to Confidently Introduce Age-Appropriate Lessons about Race & Dance History

in your program

to create a more culturally inclusive, enriching and empowering environment for ALL dance students

Many dance programs are short-changing all of their students' education and development by leaving out key information that would lead to a more holistic and empowering experience.

A new window has opened that is shedding light on this, and more people in the dance world are paying closer attention.

You see the need and you see the opportunity, but you may have some important questions and concerns.

If you’re a dance educator looking to confidently & appropriately introduce matters of race and dance history into your lessons while creating a more inclusive, holistic, and enriching experience for your dance students, then you already know you need to "do your homework" and strike the right tone with your students and their families.

You've always known that dance lessons teach more than steps; dance training teaches character, expression, resilience, life skills, community-building and more.

And at this critical moment in the world, you sense that the time has come to deepen your commitment to provide even more holistic education for your dancers, especially in terms of race and dance history.

You have always sensed the need, but now feel the great opportunity that exists to create a more inclusive and empowering dance environment.

Whether you've been working on this in for awhile, or are brand-new to this topic and need to start at the very beginning, you know you can and truly want to do even more to align yourself and your lessons to this goal.

HERE'S WHAT YOU

MIGHT NOT KNOW

Even if you have already had success with introducing dance history to your students, learning and then teaching deeper racial context and history can

ENSURE THAT EVERY STUDENT IS SEEN, VALUED AND EMPOWERED
No student should ever feel invisible. The silent suffering of so many Black and Brown students does not have to continue if the full context of dance history is taught in an empowering way. And we know that the empowerment of one is the empowerment of all. Students of ALL races and backgrounds gain so much from holistic learning!
HELP YOU FEEL THE PRIDE OF BEING MORE DEEPLY ALIGNED WITH YOUR PURPOSE
Dance is a great "entry point" into so many life lessons, and you know you don't want to just focus on steps and stay at the shallow-end of teaching. Like so many of us (myself included), you may have settled for status quo up to this point, feeling like "well, things are what they are"...but no longer. The world is ready for more, and so are you.
HELP YOU TO GIVE YOUR BEST, AND BRING OUT THEIR BEST
At your big retirement party years down the road, there are your kids, all grown up. You're so proud of who they've become and all the ways in which they've reached their potential. You feel grateful to have been such an important part of their development, not just as dancers and artists, but a part of their development as strong human beings. You gave your best and helped to bring out their best. What better feeling is there than that?
HELP YOUR STUDENTS TO CONNECT THEIR DANCE LESSONS WITH THEIR ACADEMIC EDUCATION
The separation of academic and artistic subjects makes it so hard for our students to see the bigger picture, retain what they learn, and apply it to the world around them. When you bring more historical context to their dance education, and they are encouraged to weave dance history into their home study, it helps to "merge their worlds." That means, more lightbulb moments, more retention of what they learn in all subjects, and a greater passion for learning as a whole!
IMPACT THE ENTIRE DANCE WORLD AND YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
Because of social media, I know you feel more deeply connected to a greater "dance world" than you may have in decades past. It doesn't really matter what your local community feels or looks like anymore, because you know that we're all part of a larger world. I know that you and THOUSANDS of other dance educators want to be sure that our local dance programs are TRULY welcoming, and offer programming that contributes to making the entire dance world better. If we all do our little part in our own little communities, great changes can happen!

Even though the motivations to pursue more holistic and inclusive dance education are sincere, the path to actually doing it can be incredibly difficult.

Inspired, Ready & Willing:

But where to begin?

Scrolling, Waiting & Wondering

You've probably experienced some issues first-hand, and you've also been scrolling and reading posts about race, racism and dance history in all the dance groups for years; maybe you even chime in and "comment" from time to time.

But you feel like the stakes are higher now, and a new window of opportunity is in front of us to step up to the plate and do more than post, comment, "like" and scroll. It's time to teach and reach our students in a way that will actually make the dance world BETTER for the long-haul.

But what's the best way?

Maybe you have young students, or you don't have a lot of time. Or worse yet - what if you say something that causes problems??

The last thing you want to do is cause more confusion or hurt for anyone, or get into some crazy/exhausting political arguments, so maybe it's easier or safer to just keep quiet and keep scrolling. "This is too hard and too exhausting, so maybe it's just easier to stick to the steps and leave the rest alone. What's really gonna change anyway?"

But the clock keeps ticking and the tensions you see and feel are only growing. And whether you're just feeling tired because your efforts up to this point have been futile, or because you're scared to take a risk and step forward, you start to feel like you're standing in the wings of a stage you should be on.

Paralyzing Confusion & Exhaustion

You want to get in there and roll up your sleeves. And maybe the reason it can feel so frustrating or intimidating is because up to this point, there have been no effective tools or resources to use that are specially geared toward meaningful, impactful teaching!

** Maybe you know soooo much that you don't know what to focus on, or how to break it down for the age of your students and the time frames you're working in.

** Or maybe you've NEVER talked about race before, and don't know nearly enough to speak confidently to these issues and answer the tough questions you may be asked to answer.

No matter what's been holding you back up to this point, the need for a holistic roadmap is clear.

Clearing the Fog & Seizing the Moment

With the right guiding principles, approach and plans, you can be empowered with the resources and tools you need to push beyond any doubts that have held you back.

If you have hit walls in the past, the right plans and affirming support could get you re-energized and renewed in your desire to more deeply pursue this kind of education for your students.

While others are going it alone and hitting painful, avoidable "landmines" that make it so hard to keep moving forward, you can see that the right content, context, communication tools, and community support can truly change the game for you and help you make powerful, long-lasting improvements in your dance program and in the dance world as a whole.

5 Paralyzing Questions that Must Be Answered to

Get You into Motion

Trying to change the world in one conversation?

Consistent Conversations make for stronger retention and long-lasting impact

With a deep and long-standing issue like race in dance, one "home run" conversation to change the world just isn't realistic, so let's take that pressure off.

In this case, a giant splash doesn't necessarily create the best impact.

You need to approach this just like you do any other dance lesson: you start with a vision and direction for the long-term development of your students' growth and understanding, you meet your students where they are right now, and build lesson upon lesson over time.

You already know that a clear vision plus consistent teaching makes for better retention and long-lasting results, so those principles need to be applied here.

This is about the marathon, not the sprint, where inches of improvement create miles of progress.

Now, if you're unsure of what your long-term vision is for these lessons, or how to meet your students where they are right now with these concepts, then you're in the right place.

Things won't really change, so what's the point in trying?

You are a powerful role model & influence in your dance program

You know it's true: to give into these doubts and hold back now is essentially a guarantee that the status quo will continue. And if that's what you wanted, then you wouldn't have even bothered to check out this page.

But since you're here, let me remind you how much your students respect you, and look up to you. You are a voice in their ear that is meaningful. They trust in your leadership, and they're watching you now.

One stone thrown in the water creates a ripple effect, right?

So yes, it's exhausting and it may not feel like your actions matter that much. But this is a friendly reminder of what you already know: every single voice counts. Because of social media, the connections among dance community members are stronger than they've ever been, so your actions don't just happen "in a vacuum" anymore. The ripple effects are felt.

Your actions in one small dance program over here, combine with every other action in other dance programs everywhere. All this creates a forward, snowballing momentum that can't be stopped.

So whether you need to re-energize to continue your efforts or you need a place to start, the dance world needs YOUR voice.

Why should we start to include deeper history lessons if we've left it out for so long?

Concepts Around Race & Dance History Are a Vital Part of a Dance Educator's Professional Development and Lesson Planning

Dance educators come from all sorts of backgrounds and experience levels.

Because we all take so many different routes to becoming dance teachers - whether you started teaching at age 19 in your "home studio" or got a Master's Degree in Dance Education - we must all rely on Professional Development in order to bring the very best to our students.

Without professional development, our teaching approaches can wind up being out-of-step, out-of-touch and beneath current standards in the world today.

And when it comes to race in dance education, most people have been either un-informed or grossly mis-informed.

The consequence? Mis-education around race in dance:

1) has caused us to make questionable decisions in terms of what we choose to teach, and how we choose to teach it

2) has given all our students mis-information (or lack of information) that is dis-enfranchising and dis-empowering

Historical context has always been a guiding principle in our personal lives and in society; the past gives us lessons that influence the way we operate in the present.

With this is in mind, it's easy to see why leaving history out of professional development and our lesson plans is more costly than previously thought.

Will it really help students to know more history & racial context?

More Holistic Learning = More Enriching Experience

Many don't realize it but the story of race is deeply intertwined with the evolution of so many of today's most popular dance styles.

And I have realized that to leave this story out, means that we have SHORT-CHANGED OUR STUDENTS' LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT.

Think of it this way:

- If I hand you a fresh-cut rose, you can hold it and enjoy it for a day or two before it starts to wither

- If I hand you a fresh-cut rose in a vase of water, you can enjoy it for a bit longer

- If I give you a planted rose bush, you can not only enjoy one particular rose, but you can enjoy more roses season after season.

Why? Because the connection to the roots is there.

Of course dance can be enjoyed for the sake of dance itself, but having its connection to the roots makes for a more enriching, long-lasting experience for all of your dance students.

What if the students get BORED?

Teaching history with CONTEXT means more engagement & better retention

I was so bored in history classes.

Facts and blah blah blah. Who cares? Why do I need to know this?

The other problem was that the subjects I studied were so fragmented - dance here, math there, history here, science there - that it was hard to retain what I was learning.

It wasn't until I came into contact with amazing mentors that I was able to connect more dots, and learn the fascinating insights and deep, relevant lessons that come from the study of history.

So when I started to teach race and dance history in schools, I wanted to be sure that the young students could relate to it, retain it, and connect it to their other curricula.

I'm excited to share my best practices around this, to help dance students bring ALL their arenas of learning together to make for a more holistic and meaningful education.

Are good intentions "good enough"?

Good Intentions + Effective Knowledge/Qualities/Skills = AMAZING IMPACT

We've all been hurt by someone who didn't mean to hurt us.

To know that someone had good intentions may take some of the sting out of the impact, but it often hurts just the same.

As educators, it's important that our intentions are supported by a strong knowledge base and great communication strategies and skills, so that our positive intentions become positive impact.

Is this just too hard?

Dancers do seemingly impossible things all the time - Dancers are made for this

Dancers don't shy away from a challenge - dancers are always looking for the next challenge

Dancers are resilient

Dancers know that critical feedback is not a sign to quit - it's a tool for growth

Dancers are always up for "one more time"

Dancers endure pain and injury, and come through it with endurance, strength and grace

Dancers eliminate "can't" from their vocabulary

Dancers lean into discomfort (where others would pull back) because they know that at the edge of their current capacity is a new realm of possibilities and discovery

Dancers are MADE for this.

Between You & Me

My greatest hope lies with artists. Dancers are artists that move from the heart and the spirit, not from the head. Dancers connect at deep levels. Dance brings people of all backgrounds together.

The issues we face may be sensitive and challenging, but dancers have great sensibilities and are always up for a challenge.

I truly believe that with the right content, context, and support, dance teachers can change the lives of their students, and change the world.

I've been so honored to be a source of insight and support for the dance world at this critical time, and am excited to share even more with you now.

Here's what so many around the dance world are saying about Karida's work...

Introducing

Roots, Rhythm, Race & Dance

Age-Appropriate Plans, Tools & Resources to CONFIDENTLY create a more culturally-inclusive, empowering, enriching, holistic dance experience for all students

After nearly 5 years of teaching this content to thousands of students; because of the overwhelming positive response to my recent online seminars about racism & the dance world; and after receiving so many requests to speak to other people's young dance students, I realized that I needed to share my deeper resources and experiences with dance educators and parents in a more comprehensive and focused way, so that they can be equipped to confidently teach their own students directly.

This program combines historical context, social science, academic curricula, and my experience as a dancer and dance educator to provide the content, coaching and community that dance educators and parents need to confidently lead discussions about these challenging issues with clarity, poise and passion.

Roots, Rhythm, Race & Dance ("R3 Dance") is a unique program that

1. Aligns you more deeply with your purpose as a dance educator.

It's no secret that as dance teachers, we teach WAY more than steps; we teach life skills. We help our students build character.

This program gives you the content and support you need to more deeply align with that purpose in today's challenging climate.

Race is deeply intertwined with the evolution of dance, so dance is an excellent 'entry point' into exploring this sensitive topic in a way that our students can deeply RELATE to.

2. Provides Age-Appropriate Content

The nagging question "How can I talk about this with my kids?" can be paralyzing. I'll give you the exact tools and language that I've successfully used in schools with thousands of students, so that you can confidently step into this work with proven strategies under your belt.

3. Shows you clear ways to promote an affirming, empowering environment

Whether you teach a group of homogenous or incredibly diverse students, all dance students deserve the best, most holistic education we can give. This program will give specific content and ideas to be sure your program creates an environment that brings out the best in all your students.

So if you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work with your students while avoiding the potential landmines of "going it alone",

Here's how I'll help you get here:

Week 0 (week of August 3rd)

FOUNDATIONAL SEMINAR REVIEW

As soon as you sign up for the program, you'll have instant access to recordings of the "Racism & the Dance World" seminars 1 & 2.

Seminar 1 is a broad look at the historical backdrop of race and American history as it relates to dance.

Seminar 2 takes a closer look at "systems", and the cultural values that influence how systems operate. We apply this important information to systems in the dance world.

Before we begin the Week 1 programming, I'd love for you to review these two seminars, because they will serve as a backdrop for the rest of program as we move forward.

Week 1 (week of August 10th)

Beliefs: The all-important "5-6-7-8" that leads into the dance.

The count-in, or the "5-6-7-8" sets up the entire dance; it sets the tone. As educators, it's important that we understand this "pre-frame" of BELIEFS if our efforts are going to have any impact at all.

Without a closer look at beliefs, you may be prepared to "lecture" about concepts of race, history and dance, but you may be left TOTALLY UNPREPARED to answer challenging questions as they arise.

Why? Because each one of us - and each one of our students and their families - has beliefs that impact that way we view EVERYTHING. And as you introduce new material, you will surely be met with challenging questions.

The first week of the program will help set the framework, so we can start the dance on the "right foot", and navigate these topics with poise and clarity.

Week 1 Highlights:

Go beyond the content that you're going to teach, and be poised to encounter the belief systems of your students and their families.

Understand how brain science relates to the development of belief systems, and the challenges that are presented with the notion of challenging or altering beliefs
Create space for you to become more curious about your own beliefs around race, history and dance
Gain tools for how to effectively respond to challenging questions from your students and their families

Week 2 (Week of August 17th)

Offering more depth, complexity and nuance to adult, college & high school dance students

We all want to do our part to ensure that the dancers we train become informed, empowered, passionate artists with their own voice. After all, we've always known that dance educators teach way more than steps, right?! Right!

Because you are working in a unique & specific setting with its own dynamics (be it a studio, university, home, etc) , I'll give you the "accordion" view of this content...I'll show you how you can CONDENSE for shorter discussions without accidentally deleting the most important concepts, and how you can EXPAND and deepen the discussion whenever possible, to empower your students with even greater insights, because they're ready for more...

Week 2 Highlights include:

We're starting in the "deep end", by first preparing to tackle this complex work with our most mature dance students, so they can use these concepts as tools of empowerment as dancers and human beings.

We'll look at strategies you can use to facilitate the thought and engagement of your students, so they're not just passively listening
I'll give you additional materials that support the content from the first two seminars, for those students who want to reinforce their learning and explore deeper source materials
A bonus presentation that specifically focuses on cultural appropriation

Week 3 (Week of August 24th)

Navigating the "Mystery Middle": Teaching Grades 6-8

This is a delicate age isn't it?

Maturity levels are all-over-the-map at this time. It's easy to overwhelm kids at these ages, so it's important to communicate in ways that they can truly grasp, but also challenge them to deeper levels of understanding.

This is an age where young people are truly developing their ability to express themselves, so teaching them key concepts and then channeling their expression through dance can be a powerful combination...

...if we hit the right notes.

In Week 3, we'll talk about how to do just that.

Week 3 Highlights:

In this week, we'll take a closer look at the developmental stages of these Grade 6-8 students, and discover potent communication methods to meet them where they are.

I'll show you the presentation content that I've successfully used to address this specific age group
I'll share my behind-the-scenes experiences of navigating the nuances of this age of students - where I learned not to "push too hard", and where I learned that I could challenge the students more
I'll also PREMIER some NEW IDEAS that I'm developing for this age group, based on my previous experience and the demands of these times. You can take these ideas and make them your own, "workshop" them, etc.

Week 4 (Week of August 31th)

Strong from the Start: Teaching Grades K-5

Is this content really appropriate for elementary school students?

In a word: ABSOLUTELY.

In the past 5 years, I've actually taught this content PRIMARILY to hundreds and hundreds of kids in this age group!

If you teach dance to students at these ages, you know that you have to be creative, right? That's exactly what we'll do here.

In this week of the program, I'll show you how I take key concepts and adapt them into a language and communication style that is very well-suited for your youngest students.

Week 4 Highlights:

Taking the essence of the concepts and distilling them for your youngest, sweetest students is what will happen here. Kids at these ages LOVE to learn and share, and we'll give them the tools to do that.

I'll show you the presentation content that I've successfully used to address this specific age group in schools for the past five years
I'll share the ways that I've successfully handled "pushback" from those who were concerned that what I teach might not be age-appropriate
I'll show you the ways that I navigate both large and small audiences. So whether you teach in a large "convention" or assembly environment, or in a smaller class setting, I've got you covered.
I have a couple of FUN, NEW IDEAS that I want to try out as well, so you'll work with me on the ground-floor of some exciting new stuff!!

Week 5 (Week of September 7th)

Long-Lasting Changes for the Better: A closer look at Equity & Inclusivity in your entire dance environment

Now that you know WHAT to teach, what's the state of the environment in which you're teaching?

In this week, we'll take a deeper dive into your dance program's culture and the systems that produce that culture.

So whether you're in a program that lacks diversity, or you're in a program that has great diversity, we'll look at ways you can start from where you are, and make significant and consistent changes for the better.

From representation, to leadership, to tights, we'll get into it...

Week 5 Highlights:

In this week, we'll look at broader issues of equity and inclusivity in your dance program.

We'll look at some foundational principles that can and should be applied to the various aspects of your program's culture
We'll dig into some "nitty gritty" issues and practice applying principles and historical context to those issues, in order to discover ways to move forward with greater wisdom and insight
Help you to create solid plans and strategies to make any improvements you feel are necessary and beneficial

Week 6 (Week of September 14th)

End, Begin & JAM: Wrap Up, Get to Work, and Dance!

In this week, we'll bring this part of the journey to a close, so that the next phase of REAL WORK can begin.

And it would be just WRONG if we didn't dance, so...we're gonna DANCE!

Week 6 Highlights:

In this week, we'll wrap up the program material, and end on the HIGHEST NOTE POSSIBLE!!!

Together, we'll reflect on the content that has been covered, and address outstanding issues
Get connected to the deep inspiration you'll need to carry this work forward to your precious students
You'll be introduced to my "partner-in-crime" for some AMAZING BONUS master classes! More about this below...

BONUS #1: West African Dance Master Classes!

To REALLY connect us with the ROOTS of several dance styles, you'll receive FOUR (4) 40-minute West African Dance master classes from my partner-in-crime (my husband), Derrell Sekou Soumah Walker! Teaching both cultural context and amazing rhythms and choreography, these are classes that you can use yourself, and/or take along WITH your students! Sekou has taught ages Pre-K to Adult for nearly 20 years, so we'll be sure to give a few "level" options that your students can access and enjoy. This will really help your students to bring the lessons to life!

BONUS #2: Live Q&A Sessions and confidence-boosting "HOT-SEAT REHEARSALS"!

Unlike the seminars that I've given, I want to open things up for more dialogue. We'll have Zoom sessions each week to answer your questions AND have more conversations.

We'll also give some time for YOU to practice how YOU will do a short presentation for YOUR students!

Nothing like a little rehearsal to get the nerves out and build your confidence right? We all know that practice is POWERFUL, so I want to be sure we get that chance here.

BONUS #3: A Time Management Strategy & Planning Guide!

I know no one wants to make the mistake of having just ONE conversation with our students that they will soon forget. What's the point of that?

You want to do more, but how do you find the time?

I'll give you some ideas on how you can creatively manage your time, so that you can successfully integrate these lessons into your dance programming, for stronger retention and deeper impact.

BONUS #4: The IMANI Sessions: Exclusive discussions for Black dance teachers and parents

In this program, I'm making every effort to meet people where they are and support them for moving forward in their unique way. When it comes to matters of race, Black people are coming to this program from a VERY different experience, and I need to address that.

My personal experience and my intuition says that there needs to be an independent space for discussions that uniquely relate to being a Black teacher or parent.

Some may not understand this, but I need to honor my inner voice and provide this space.

The 100% Commitment Guarantee

There’s no way I could guarantee that this process will be perfect and easy. It won’t be. But what I can guarantee is my COMMITMENT to this PROCESS. I’m all-in, 100%.

But to say something like “if you’re not satisfied with this program, you’ll get your money back” feels cheap and inappropriate.

Your safety in this work has nothing to do with your financial investment; you are 100% safe in this work if you are COMMITTED to it.

I’m a dancer like you; I’m rarely satisfied with my work. I’ll make adjustments and fill in gaps wherever we discover them. That’s my promise to you. And to be completely honest, I could not be this committed to this process with someone who is “one foot in, one foot out,” standing back and inspecting the process to determine if it’s worth their money. This work is too sensitive for that kind of approach.

For these reasons, I’ve decided that there will be NO REFUNDS on this program.

This work requires experimentation, feedback, determination, resilience, persistence...COMMITMENT... all of these are qualities of the dancer!

Us dancers know how to put in the work, even when it’s hard. You know how to keep pushing and try again, even after you've made a mistake. You know how to take feedback and use it to grow.

And because you are committed, you are totally safe in this program.

Here’s what you’re getting when you enroll today:

Complete "R3 Dance" Program Content - $1,881 Value
Bonus #1: 4 West African Dance Master Classes - $1,000 Value
Bonus #2: Weekly Live Q&A Sessions and "HOT-SEAT REHEARSALS" - $1,800 Value
Bonus #3: The R3 Time Management Strategy Guide - $300 Value
Bonus #4: The Imani Sessions - $1,000 Value

Total Value: $5,981

But when you enroll today, here are your options, giving extra consideration to the economic impact of the pandemic:

Pay Monthly

3 Monthly Payments of

$97

ENROLL + PAY MONTHLY

OR

Pay in Full

1 Single Payment of

$247

PAY IN FULL + SAVE

Program & Pricing Options

Here's another breakdown of the full "Roots" program, along with 2 other options that might serve you and your dance students

PURCHASE THE SEMINAR RECORDINGS

$97

Racism & the Dance World - Seminar 1 Recording

Racism & the Dance World - Seminar 2 Recording

BUY THE RECORDINGS

MOST COMPREHENSIVE

FULL "Roots, Rhythm, Race & Dance" PROGRAM

$97

PER MONTH FOR 3 MONTHS

or $247

pay-in-full

Racism & the Dance World Recordings - Seminars 1 & 2
Age-Appropriate Strategies and Content for introducing race & dance history
6 Weekly Q&A Sessions with "Hot Seat Rehearsals"
Time Management & Strategy Guide
"Imani Sessions" for Black dance teachers & parents
4 West African Dance Master Classes

BOOK KARIDA FOR A LIVE LECTURE FOR YOUR DANCE PROGRAM

$$$$

One 90 minute seminar, including Q&A session for your students

Email to Discuss Speaker Fees

What's Truly at Stake, from My Heart to Yours

I'm here for so many reasons - in these pictures are 2 of my amazing and precious reasons.

Every child, every student, deserves to feel valued and seen.

There's a tough world that awaits all our children in one way or another, and my hope is that the dance environment does everything it can to nurture, to cultivate, to teach empowerment, resilience and expression...so that all of our children can step out boldly, and take on the world with strength, courage and grace.

If you believe this too, then I invite you to join me in this program, this movement toward a better dance community, and a better world.

I'M READY TO SIGN UP!

Frequently Asked Questions

Important Questions That Savvy People Like You are Asking about the Roots, Race, Rhythm & Dance Program

What's the difference between this program and doing my own self-study?

This program is not a substitute for your own personal study.

The challenge I find with some historical study is that it lacks the CONTEXT that we need to move forward successfully. As crucial as the historical component is, it's simply not enough.

That's why I am combining historical context with social science, academic curricula, and my personal experience as a dancer and dance educator in this program to help teachers and parents offer more holistic lessons to their students.

What's the weekly time commitment?

Week 0 has 2 lectures that it'd take about 2 hours to review.

The later weeks will have 20-45 minute presentations to review, and then there will be a weekly Q&A session.

I anticipate the weekly Q&A/Hot Seat Rehearsals will be about 90 minutes on a Zoom session each week, max. Those will be scheduled based upon a survey of the enrolled participants.

Beyond this, the rest is up to you. You get out what you put in!

I'm nervous...tell me more about these "Hot-Seat Rehearsals"!

One thing that holds teachers and parents from jumping into these waters is that they don't feel PREPARED.

So I figured, let's practice together!

While we're on weekly Zoom calls, we'll give some time for teachers to step up and practice a short presentation, while others listen in and support.

This way, you can learn from either doing it yourself, or listening and learning from others who are on the "hot seat."

Are there scholarships available?

Yes! There are a limited number of partial scholarships available!

The partial scholarship will reduce the enrollment fee by 40%, taking the fee from $247 down to $150. This can also be spread out over 3 monthly payments.

To apply for one of the limited scholarships, please click here to fill out the quick application.

I am Black...what can I get out of this program that I don't already know?

I suppose only you can answer that question.

I can say for myself that I didn't get a real education about race and dance history until I was an adult, doing major self-study, with the support of amazing mentors.

If you've already done that work and are already comfortable teaching not only the basics on the dance style you teach, but the deeper context of race and general history, then you probably don't need this program at all.

But if you're looking to fill in gaps in your knowledge base and gain deeper insights, then come on in!

The "Imani Sessions" would be another great reason to join. These are critical discussions that need to be had, for reasons that you already understand.

What's the weekly schedule look like? When are the Zoom calls? What if I have to miss one?

The weekly Zoom calls will be set based upon a survey that I'll send out to those who sign up for the program. We'll figure out the day/time that most participants are available, and go with that.

For those who can't attend live, I'll set up a way that you can still submit questions and get them answered, and also have access to the recordings of the Zoom sessions.

I am White and have NEVER talked about race before. Can I do this? SHOULD I be the one to do this?

Yes and Yes.

You're a dancer, so you already know you can do hard things - if you're committed to the work.

If you're committed to being self-aware, resilient, open-minded and courageous, then this is an absolute-must for you.

Whether you're teaching all white students, or are in a diverse environment, you can and should do this...if you have the tools.

The purpose of this program is to provide key knowledge & skills, so that you can confidently navigate these discussions in a way that leaves your students feeling empowered and enriched.

I'm a dance parent. Can I join the program, so I can help my child with at-home study?

Absolutely.

This is such a unique time, and parents are feeling that more than anyone.

You've probably realized that dance is a great "entry point" into a lot of larger discussions about life, and so yes, this program could help give you tools to further enrich your child's learning about history and the current climate.

You are probably also tired of fragmented lessons for your child - dance lessons here, history lessons there, science here, math there - and helping your child to study in a more integrated way will help them to be more engaged, insightful and curious learners.

So as a parent, you can absolutely take the lessons from this program and use them at home to introduce concepts into conversation, show your child deeper insights, encourage their independent thought and development as dancers, students and human beings.

I'm a music teacher. Could I join this program?

Yes!

The origins of Western/American music and dance are the largely the same, so there is a great deal that you could gain from this program as a music teacher, and apply to your lessons!

What's the enrollment deadline?

Enrollment deadline is Sunday, July 19th at 11:59pm Pacific time.

I already know a lot about the history of the dance style I teach. What could I get out of this program?

What I'm realizing is that there is deeper historical and racial context that is typically NOT being taught, and that is causing ALL students to be short-changed.

To be more specific, it's causing some mis-steps in dance programs, confusion, dis-enfranchisement, and lack of inclusivity in dance programs.

So if, for example, you're a Hip-Hip teacher who is already teaching the "4 elements of Hip-Hop", that's fantastic. But I firmly believe that there's some additional material BEYOND those basics that need to be taught.

If you're already doing that deeper work with your students, then you're in great shape and you probably don't need this program at all.

But if you feel like you could benefit from filling in some gaps in your knowledge base, and get some support along the way, then this program would be a great fit for you.

Will this program teach me a breakdown of the history of various dance styles? Tap, Swing, Hip-Hop, Jazz, etc?

No it won't give you that.

The aim of this program is to provide you with deeper insights and context to INFORM your self-study.

I believe that most teachers are missing that in their current work. They may teach about historical Tap dancers, but not the racial and historical backdrop in which those Tap dancers lived and created work. They may teach the 4 elements of Hip-Hop, but don't understand the pre-text that lies behind those 4 elements.

I am realizing that the lack of context is a HUGE omission and has created more problems than so many people realize, so this program seeks to help address the deeper issues.