Earlier Academic Writings

Creative Dance

I have researched, taught, and pulished articles and a book on Creative Movement. My writings bring awareness to creative dance programs in public education on issues regarding culture, gender, and socio-economic backgrounds.

My book Dance Education Tips from the Trenches introduces the minutiae of teaching dance in public schools. The book offers practical suggestions for setting up and organizing classes for children in K-5th grades. The creative process is also explored including methods of establishing a dance theme, developing it into movement phrases, critiquing the work, and performing for classmates and parents.

Tap Dance—African Essence

In my research, I explored the roots of Black Tap. The style and expression of the dance form is grounded in the African Aesthetic.

Rhythm, the sound, is the essence of the dance. Some of the characteristics are: quick with subtle footwork; weight balanced on the entire foot; horizontal style with subtle weight shifts initiated from the pelvis;  angular body with the movement of the arms and torso in response to weight shifts; never static but rests on creative expression; controlled movement with contrasting elements of surprise, humor or silence. The participant/observer relationship is strengthened through vocal and rhythmic expressions continuing the flow of energy.

Black Women Hoofers

As a tap dancer, I was aware of the white movie idols--Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Eleanor Powell, Shirley Temple, and the African American male dancers--The Nicolas Brothers, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, "Buck and Bubbles."  Yet, there was a void in the names for African American women tap dancers.  Identifying and acknowledging the women who danced, thrust me into thirty-six years of research, interviews, and life-long friendships.