Do No Harm: Lessons from Community-Engaged Learning Applied to Community Dance

Abstract

ABSTRACT When thinking of wellness in dance, we often think about addressing mental or physical health-related challenges facing performers, although when looking at community dance, there are additional considerations to ensure the wellness of citizens and neighbors participating in dance programming. Gaps remain in dance education training to prepare students to be successful in authentically engaging in mutually beneficial, culturally sustaining, community dance. This article offers key concepts and practices from the field of Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) to supplement traditional dance education. The concepts of critical reflection, redistributing power, and authentic relationship-building are explored. Gleanings from CEL, in combination with dance education, can support us in preparing students to minimize unintentional harm, and amplify the joys of engaging in community dance.