The first of its kind, this volume presents research-based fictionalized case studies from experts in the field of dance education, examining theory and practice developed from real-world scenarios that call for ethical decision-making. Dilemmas faced by dance educators in the studio, on stage, in recreation centers and correctional facilities, and on social media are explored, accompanied by activities for humanizing dance pedagogy.

These challenges converge from educational policies and mandates developed over the past two decades, including teacher-proof "scripted" curriculum, high-stakes testing, standardization, and methods-centered teacher preparation; difficulties are often perpetuated by those who want to make change happen but do not know how.

Prizes

Winner of Susan W. Stinson Book Award for Dance Education—University of North Carolina Greensboro 2021 (United States)

“Original and groundbreaking.... This is a pivotal text to propel dance education beyond the status quo tenants of ‘best practices.’... This text may well be the driver moving personal, value-based pedagogies beyond methods-based instruction. An exciting read and an honest journey in meaningful decision making.”—Susan Kirchner, Towson University.
“a superb edited collection of case studies that will transform dance teacher training by unpacking and asking key ethical questions. One of the most powerful and pedagogically profound aspects of the book includes reflective activities for developing humanizing dance pedagogies by revealing the complex nature of ethical decision making in dance teaching and education.”—College of Visual and Performing Arts, School of Dance University of North Carolina Greensboro

Doug Risner is professor of dance and distinguished faculty fellow at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Karen Schupp is associate professor of dance and associate director of dance in the Herberger Institute School of Film, Dance and Theatre at Arizona State University.