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In this captivating episode of the SLANT podcast, join Dana Tai Soon Burgess as he sits down with dancer and educator, danah bella. As the founding chair of the Dance Department at the Peabody Conservatory, bella has transformed the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance program with a focus on interdisciplinary studies and social justice. Her impressive career spans over two decades, featuring roles as an artist-in-residence, award-winning choreographer, and artistic director of d a n a h b e l l a DanceWorks.

bella shares her journey from her early days learning dance and history to her current work in reclaiming evocative movement as social practice and her connection to her Filipino Heritage. Learn about her unique approach to dance education and her creative practice to break disciplinary boundaries through sound and movement.

Additionally, Bella discusses how her Filipino heritage influences her work and shapes all aspects of her life including her perspective on dance and education. She reflects on the cultural narratives that inform her choreography and the ways in which she incorporates her cultural identity into her teaching.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of dance to foster social change, the importance of interdisciplinary learning, and bella's vision for the future of dance education.

danah bella's photo by Salvador Barajas