THE BODY TEACHES US
D
ance and movement studies play an as our first dance major. She is now a important role at Emory University clinical social worker in New York who by not only encouraging creative focuses on intersectionality in social work growth and innovation, but by offering practices. Christine Suarez (’94) directs a distinct mode of teaching and learning a Los Angeles-based ensemble that that is collaborative and kinesthetic. We stimulates social change through danceinvest in somatic movement experiences making and creative practices. Mohammad that emphasize body-mind connections Zaidi (‘11) is a surgeon who still finds time to and ripen critical sensibilities — a more make dances. Kristen Files (’05), is a Smith objective eye, an active listening ear, & Lake attorney who is a Georgia super an empathetic touch, and a personal, lawyer. And, Gillian Glauber (’08), who authentic voice. Perhaps many people in Atlanta still do not know that Emory has a dance program. But the Emory Dance and Movement Studies Program is indeed a serious academic discipline with an emphasis on dance making, and the development of creative, intellectual, and communicative skills. In the late 80s Sally Radell began to develop an inclusive, Mohammad Zaidi modern-based program. and Tiffany Huang She believed in fostering an miles to the left Choreographed by environment where every mover Lori Teague would have the opportunity to Emory Dance discover an important link to self, Company premiere and to others, through movement. Today, our program shapes the unique strengths of an individual to perform important features of their identity. This is what drives our process. Since 1988, thousands of students majored in dance and psychology, is now have gained more body awareness and the director of program services at Jacob’s body knowledge in our program. These Ladder, a neurodevelopmental learning movers and thinkers are physically mindful; center. We celebrate our alumni, the they are familiar with the dynamics of “pillars” of our program, whose creativity, change and committed to the act of purpose, and body knowledge transfer sharing power. They understand how into communities all over the world. Their movement choices can be empowering. success reminds us that our bodies always Twenty years ago, Jalana Harris graduated have a great deal to teach us.
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