The Body Teaches Us

Dance and movement studies play an important role at Emory University by not only encouraging creative growth and innovation, but by offering a distinct mode of teaching and learning that is collaborative and kinesthetic. We invest in somatic movement experiences that emphasize body-mind connections and ripen critical sensibilities — a more objective eye, an active listening ear, an empathetic touch, and a personal, 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, modern-based program. She believed in fostering an environment where every mover would have the opportunity to discover an important link to self, 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.

Mohammad Zaidi and Tiffany Huang miles to the left Choreographed by Lori Teague Emory Dance Company premiere

Since 1988, thousands of students have gained more body awareness and body knowledge in our program. These movers and thinkers are physically mindful; they are familiar with the dynamics of change and committed to the act of sharing power. They understand how movement choices can be empowering. Twenty years ago, Jalana Harris graduated as our first dance major. She is now a clinical social worker in New York who focuses on intersectionality in social work practices. Christine Suarez (’94) directs a Los Angeles-based ensemble that stimulates social change through dancemaking and creative practices. Mohammad Zaidi (‘11) is a surgeon who still finds time to make dances. Kristen Files (’05), is a Smith & Lake attorney who is a Georgia super lawyer. And, Gillian Glauber (’08), who majored in dance and psychology, is now the director of program services at Jacob’s Ladder, a neurodevelopmental learning center. We celebrate our alumni, the “pillars” of our program, whose creativity, purpose, and body knowledge transfer into communities all over the world. Their success reminds us that our bodies always have a great deal to teach us. Mohammad Zaidi and Tiffany Huang miles to the left Choreographed by Lori Teague Emory Dance Company premiere