Five students from the UW–Madison School of Education’s Dance Department spent three weeks in New York City this summer participating in intensive coursework at the Dance Education Laboratory (DEL) at the 92^nd Street Y, a nationally recognized training and professional learning program for dance educators.

Supported through fully funded fellowships and scholarships, the students spent three weeks learning, dancing, exploring, and strengthening their skills as future dance teachers.

Three of the students attended through annual fellowships funded by dance educator and advocate Jody Gottfried Arnhold, while two additional students received support through scholarships from the UW–Madison Dance Department. Chell Parkins, UW–Madison’s Arnhold Director of Dance Education, also participated as a faculty fellow, supported by Arnhold.

During the three-week experience, participants learned the DEL Model, an innovative pedagogical framework used by dance educators for teaching in schools, while also building professional connections with peers and mentors from across the country. The program aims to help participants develop their teaching practice, expand their professional networks, and deepen their understanding of their identities as educators.

For student Kaleyah Rivera, one of the most meaningful aspects of the experience was the community of dance educators she found through the program.

“A highlight was all the connections I made, especially with my peers. I’ve made some great, genuine friends who I would’ve never met if it wasn’t for this program,” Rivera said. “My dance education community has grown tremendously.”

With the creation of UW–Madison’s new Dance Education certificate program in 2024, and a minor including licensure to teach in public schools beginning this fall, opportunities like DEL are especially valuable, Parkins said. The experience exposes students to new possibilities as educators while helping them build confidence in the classroom.

“It opens up a world of teaching,” Parkins said. “So often dancers go out and teach and they are not prepared, and it’s stressful. This experience broadens their understanding of what is possible. Students continue to hone their craft, becoming amazing teachers who feel supported and driven to teach in schools.”

Learn more about the Dance Education Laboratory.