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OPDI-M35: Creating Gender Inclusive Dance Spaces
January 12, 2026 - February 22, 2026
This OPDI course is intended for teachers in the PK-12 setting, dance education students, as well as dance studio owners to help you create more gender inclusive environments. Historically, the teaching of dance supports old notions of a gender binary, and gendered behaviors, which alienates many and makes students feel unsafe or unwelcome, these students often feel they can’t participate in dance, in part because they don’t see themselves in the art form. There is a great need for teachers to be more inclusive in their language, practices, and performances to support ALL students. This course will present strategies for increasing inclusivity regarding gender in dance classrooms. You will be provided with a variety of resources, tools, examples, photos, book lists, references and methods of practice so you can disrupt gendered practices and increase representation in your dance classrooms. We will engage in readings, discussion boards, and reflection. In your new learning, you will modify and adapt your current practices while receiving individualized feedback to disrupt gendered practices and increase representation in your dance spaces.
REQUIRED ONLINE RESOURCE: “Gender Inclusivity in the Dance Classroom Online Course” through Human Kinetics Propel:
Agenda
Speakers
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Lindsey Bauer
<p><span style="color:#1A1A1A;"><strong>Lindsey Bauer </strong>(she/they) </span><span style="background-color:white;color:#222222;">is a dance artist, teacher-leader, and arts education advocate. </span>Lindsey is a member of the faculty at Towson University’s dance department in both the undergraduate and graduate programs. Lindsey works as a PLC manager of the Shirley Hall Bass Legacy Project’s National Performing Arts Initiative in The Bahamas. The Legacy Project is an organization that preserves the legacy of legendary performer, Shirley Hall Bass, and is committed to strengthening the connections within in the African Diaspora through equitable and accessible performing arts education and programming in the Bahamas, Chicago and beyond. Lindsey is co-author of the online course “Gender Inclusivity in the Dance Classroom” published by Human Kinetics (2024) and teaches in the National Dance Education Organization’s Online Professional Development Institute. Lindsey has presented research in dance education and gender inclusivity at Towson University, Central Connecticut State University, National Dance Education conferences: Seattle, Denver, Atlanta, and the New York State Dance Education Association Conference. Lindsey holds an MFA from Arizona State University and a BFA from Towson University. </p>
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Towson University |
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Natalie Swan
<p><span style="background-color:rgb(255,255,255);color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:12pt;"><strong>Natalie Swan </strong>(she/they) is a queer artist and educator teaching dance, PK-5th grade, in Brooklyn, New York. They are alumni of SUNY Brockport and Rutgers where they completed studies in dance, dance education, interdisciplinary arts for children, childhood and special education. At their school, Natalie collaborates with the school librarian to facilitate a weekly book club, titled the Be-YOU-tiful Book Club, focusing on reading and responding to books centered around gender diversity and inclusion, diverse family structures, and celebrating unique differences. In addition to co-presenting with Lindsey Bauer at NYSDEA and NDEO’s 2023 and 2024 conferences they welcomed the September 2024 release of “Gender Inclusivity in the Dance Classroom Online Course” created through Human Kinetics.</span><br> </p>
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New York City Department of Education - PS 56 The Lewis H. Latimer School |
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