JDance and the Child International (DaCi) Conference

DETAILS
When — July 7-12, 2024
Where — Ljubljana, Slovenia
Service — Facilitation

Dancing My Teacher’s Heart: A Transformative Workshop at the DaCi 2024 Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia

I had the incredible opportunity to present a special workshop at the Dance and the Child International (DaCi) Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, from July 7th to 12th, 2024. The workshop, Dancing My Teacher’s Heart, was an interactive, movement-based experience where we explored the powerful Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) model of teacher training. As a Senior Consultant for DEL and the Director of DEL at Jacob's Pillow, this workshop held deep personal and professional significance for me.

Designed for adult dance educators, the session provided a space for reflection on and exploration of our unique identities as teachers. Through self-reflection, collaborative dance-making, and collective meaning-making, we engaged in a process of growth that helped build cultural competency while enhancing our sense of self-actualization as educators. It was a chance for each of us to step into a space of personal transformation, and I was honored to guide participants through it.

One of the highlights of the workshop was an integrated poetry and dance activity. It helped participants access and share their "Teacher’s Heart"—that core of passion, care, and purpose that drives their teaching. By combining movement and poetry, we created an embodied experience that allowed each person to explore what makes them uniquely impactful as educators, while connecting with others on a deeper level.

I’m so grateful to everyone who joined me in this session at the DaCi conference. It was an amazing opportunity to reflect on our journeys as teachers, explore new ideas, and gain insights that not only enhanced our teaching but also supported our personal growth. It was truly a transformative experience, and I’m thankful to have been a part of it!