The mission of the National Dance Society is to provide leadership in promoting research in, advocating for, and using best practices in the delivery of dance and dance education that furthers dance as an art form, as a support for academic success, and as a process for improving individuals’ health and wellness in a multicultural society.

1. Advocate for funding, research, and offering evidence-based educational programs that promote varied forms of dance within schools, community programs, and venues for concert art;
2. Promote leadership skills and strategies to strengthen dance education within schools, the community, the state, and nation;
3. Encourage professional involvement in dance education and recognizing excellence among professional and future dance educators;
4. Educate key decision-makers about the value of dance in education reform, economic development, and health promotion across the lifespan;
5. Support research in dance as related to program and curriculum development, program and student assessment, instructional delivery, performance, academic achievement, and personal wellness;
6. Identify (or develop) and disseminate professional materials to help those developing programs, designing dance curriculum, and providing dance instruction in a variety of learning environments: including fine arts programs, physical education curriculum, recreation and leisure settings, community- and cultural-based venues, studios, and professional settings;
7. Provide a broad range of professional development workshops, training programs, and performance opportunities.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.” This quote from a sermon on courage delivered by Martin Luther King, Jr. 55 years ago, still resonates with urgency today. We at the National Dance Society stand in solidarity with our sisters and brothers of color. We understand that dance is a powerful medium through which we can showcase all the human emotions and the toll exacted by injustice, fear, degradation, and disrespect. Our motto of Dance For All is founded in the belief that dance is an inclusive, healthy, lifelong activity that should be available to everyone. We are committed to giving everyone a voice and encourage creative expression to help bring about the necessary changes that must occur in our society. Our annual conference, entitled Dance in Broad Perspectives is a forum in which to engage in diverse applications within the field of dance. We are committed to continually offering avenues of inclusion in all aspects of our artform. We affirm the value of dance, and the arts as a whole, to the communal enhancement of a cohesive society, and strive to promote unity. We must do this together. We stand in support of all BIPOC, LGBTQ, and ability-focused communities. (Cheryl Stafford)

Leadership Team

2024 - 2025

COUNCILS

ADVOCACY: Chair, TBA; Co-Chair, TBA

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING: Chair, Elizabeth Jones-Boswell; Co-Chair, Michelle Strauss

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Chair, Nancy Kane; Co-Chair Tarin Hampton

PERFORMING ARTS: Chair, Shawn Zachery; Co-Chair, Alex Spitzer

PUBLICATIONS: Chair, Nick Enge Co-Chair, TBA

RESEARCH & EVALUATION: Chair, Lisa Lewis; Co-chair, Shawn Cradit

STUDENT: Chair, Danielle Laurion; Co-Chair, Laura Pollock

WELLNESS: Chair, Barb Maclam; Co-Chair, Peggy Domingue