UNITY at Ten
It can't be, but it is 10 years since the formation of UNITY, a not for profit organization, whose mission is a coalition of teachers, studios and associated organizations that "promotes cooperation and dialogue within the dance profession and speaks with a unified voice on dance education and dance related issues." This year's meeting, January 21-22, in New York City, moderated by Rhee Gold, presented round table discussions on bridging the gap between private studios, high school and college dance programs.
A focal point for discussion involved how to influence their private sector members to better understand the value of continuing education programs through workshops, conferences and training schools. The discussions emphasized awareness of social and cultural changes in the student enrollment that needs to be addressed to provide the best dance education. Other discussions that were met with openness and anecdotal information concerned the negative and positive influences of competitions; inadequate facilities for K-12 dance educators; and age-appropriate costuming and
choreography.
First-time member, Jannas Zalesky, president of Together in Dance: Zalesky and Associates, Inc., builds dance programming for teachers, students, dancers and the general public by working with dance companies, private/public presenting houses, community centers and educational institutions by providing tailor-made programs. Zalesky, in the forefront of the dance education movement for more than 30 years, joined Unity because "I wanted to hear the different voices of dance," Her services are available at janZalesky@aol.com.
Danie Beck and Cathie Ault Kasch, long-time members of Unity, are convinced that "more that ever before, we need to exchange ideas with other groups in an atmosphere of respect and cooperation, in order to face the future and all it holds for dance." Beck added, "the per-iod in UNITY of jockeying for trust is over, and now we are ready to make positive steps into the next decade." "It doesn't matter," Kasch offered, "what your comfort level as a member might be... just listening or participating in the discussions...we need more teachers and heads of organizations to join us in the same spirit. There is always something to learn about the way other studios and schools handle their problems and what we can mutually gain in the continuing education of ourselves and our students." UNITY meets yearly in New York City. For more information contact: catka@aol.com.
For more information about Unity, go to www.unitydance.org.