Students choose dance class for many reasons, usually variations on “because it’s required”. The problem with existing Dance Appreciation texts is their focus on western concert dance forms such as ballet and modern. My decolonization practice relies on movements from many sources to gain a deeper understanding of dance as a social, cultural, and kinesthetic experience. In this workshop, I will guide the participants through a movement-based lecture and offer suggestions they can apply to their classes. Dance matters; it is an everyday experience that connects us.

Like dance, music is a connective tissue among communities. As the faculty in my department began to seek healing in our community through decolonizing our curriculum, we realized that our auditions were barring many potential music majors from even beginning our program. In considering what musics our prospective students learn to love in their communities and high schools, we developed a new BA track in American Music and Culture. Our presentation will discuss the challenges of creating and implementing this program.