

An Open Letter to Dance Educators
Hello, My name is Emma Alley. I am here to share my reflections on the promises and pitfalls of the western dance education system. I am 27 years old, and have spent the majority of my life dancing. I grew up in studios, spending Saturdays rehearsing for spring recitals, getting classical ballet music stuck in my head at school, gossiping about cast lists -- the whole enchilada. During my formative teen years, I danced every day at a performing arts high school, and each afte