The latest in a series of international dance education conferences has been announced by the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) in Australia. Dance and Dance Education in an Age of Interconnectivity builds upon the success of three previous conferences which aim to bring together and connect teachers, practitioners, scholars and innovators from the fields of dance, education, research, science and technology for an engaging and stimulating programme at the forefront of dance practice and dance education.
With the coronavirus pandemic fundamentally changing the way we live and learn, the paradigms of dance and dance education have changed significantly. The need for social distancing has caused the separation of student and educator and performer and audience, forging new ways of learning, practicing and teaching and initiating potential for greater interconnectivity now and into the future.
Streamed performances, use of digital platforms for online teaching, increased access to global archives, sharing of resources and virtual collaborations have brought about immense change to dance and dance education practices leading to increased interconnectivity on a global scale. RAD Australia is seeking contributions in the form of in-person and digital lectures, panel and roundtable discussions, practical demonstrations and workshops to address themes associated with Dance and Dance Education in an Age of Interconnectivity including (but not limited to):
- Research studies on the use of digital platforms and technology in dance and dance education across different contexts and settings including uses of new, innovative and pioneering technologies, such as VR (Virtual Reality), multiple digital environments and tools for the delivery of hybrid education models
- Research studies into the physicality of an embodied dance practice in a virtual world, including safe dance practice, somatic practice, development of kinaesthetic awareness and new areas of dance education focusing on aspects beyond physical and technical practice
- Digital dance and dance education practices that bring into focus issues of equality, diversity and inclusion as well as social-emotional, socio-economic and cultural considerations
- Models for exploring global interconnectivity and the continuance of exchanges, residencies and ongoing research and sharing of ideas relating to dance and dance education
The conference committee is inviting submissions for paper presentations 20 minutes in length and practical demonstrations between 45 and 60 minutes in duration. Proposals for panel and roundtable discussions of 60 minutes are also welcomed.
Aligned with the RAD’s ongoing training and higher education pathways through the Faculty of Education programmes, they are also strongly encouraging expressions of interest from Early Career Researchers and postgraduate students wishing to present their work in a supportive environment.
To make an application, presenters should submit an abstract (200 word maximum) of the proposed paper, practical demonstration, workshop, panel presentation or roundtable discussion, accompanied by a biography (100 words maximum) and full contact details (affiliated institution, email, telephone) to the Programme Committee at conference2022@rad.org.au by no later than Wednesday 30 June.
RAD Australia intends Dance and Dance Education in an Age of Interconnectivity to be a continuation of its highly successful in-person conference series with the conference scheduled to take place in Sydney, Australia, from 21 – 23 January 2022. However, organisers are poised to take the conference online to prevent disruption or cancellation due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
RAD Director of Education Dr Michelle Groves said, “This conference provides a wonderful and much needed opportunity for practitioners, scholars and digital innovators to discuss, share and debate the emergence and impact of new technologies on how we understand and engage with dance as art, as education and as training.”
RAD Australia Education and Engagement Manager Shelley Yacopetti added, “In what has been an unprecedented period of change for the dance industry and for dance education practices, this fourth RAD Australia conference represents an opportunity for dance professionals to come together and explore, share and consider how increased interconnectivity has and will shape the future of our industry. We hope this conference will be a unifying event that merges in person and digital presentations to create a stimulating and engaging environment for all attendees.”
For more information, visit au.royalacademyofdance.org/conference-2022.
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