Community dance as a democratic dialogue

This article examines the alignment of democratic values with those intrinsic to community dance. It notes policymakers’ interest in fostering democracy and suggests an exploration of community dance pedagogy and practices for potential integration into education policy. Drawing from personal narratives and scholarly references, it underscores how community dance can instill democratic values, fostering inclusive, participatory, and empowering spaces. Given recent societal challenges, there’s a recognized need for enhanced civic education, emphasizing democratic principles and active engagement. Community dancers, acknowledging their role, contemplate how their discipline intersects with broader social and political issues. They pose the question: How can community dance contribute to education policy to nurture democracy? By exploring shared values of inclusion, participation, and empowerment, the article seeks to elucidate their manifestation in both community dance and the democratic ethos. Serving as a catalyst for broader discourse, it underscores the congruence between democracy and community dance values, advocating for the potential of community dance to cultivate these values and their integration into education policy.