National Dance Education Association National Conference 2017

The long multicultural history of Texas and the vibrant culture of San Antonio provide a lively setting to discuss, share, and celebrate our successes and to strategize new initiatives that provide equity and access to dance education for all. San Antonio is a community with a rich history reflective of the six flags that have flown over Texas. This history comes to life with the legacy of the Alamo located in downtown San Antonio not far from the famous River Walk with shops, restaurants and entertainment.

In the new education legislation of Every Student Succeeds Act (2015) the arts are declared a core subject important to every child’s education. New questions and challenges are raised as we seek to meet the needs of every child. As dance educators, how do we respond, advocate and innovate in our schools, studios and communities to provide dance education for learners of all ages with different backgrounds, abilities, and needs. How do we balance various cultural contexts, socio-economic conditions and the varying landscapes of our communities? In contexts where interdisciplinary instruction is promoted, how do we connect across the spectrum of teaching and learning from dance-based instruction in non-arts subjects to integrated interdisciplinary curriculum? In Texas, where everything is big and bold, we welcome you for can-do thinking, deep discussion and exchange of big ideas.

Held annually in the fall, a typical NDEO National Conference includes three full days of over 150 workshops, master classes, panel and paper presentations, social events and performances. A full day of pre-conference intensives precedes the official start of conference.