AHRC Dance Research Matters Network Series: Episode 7: Reflections on the Critical Dance Pedagogy Network with Angela Pickard and Kathryn Stamp

In this episode, Angela and Kathryn revisit the central aimsand rationales of the Critical Dance Pedagogy Network.  They discuss insights that emerged from the network’s symposiums and artist labs, examining how these spaces have facilitated meaningful dialogue around critical dance pedagogy, equity, diversity, inclusion, and student-centred approaches to learning. Through reflecting on their own pedagogical and artistic practices, Angela and Kathrynconsider the significance of embodied experience in shaping both individual learning and the broader dance education environment.

Critical Dance Pedagogy Network

The network sought to connect academics, dance educators, researchers, artists, industry stakeholders in the UK with international peers in Scandinavia/Nordic and US as guest speakers, to support collaboration, and maximise opportunities for new thinking on the topic of Critical Dance Pedagogy. In particular understandings of equity, diversity and inclusion and student-centred pedagogy, through practice (Artist Labs) and discourse (four hybrid symposium events). The network attracted an international following as well as from across the UK. In addition to the original planned events, a focus on dance and PE teachers in training and PhD students was added.

Website: ⁠www.criticaldancepedagogy.com/home⁠

Twitter: @SDH

Contributor Biography: Professor Angela Pickard

Professor Angela Pickard is the UK’s first Professor of Dance Education and a globally recognised leader in the fields of dance pedagogy, dance and health, and dance science. She holds dual directorships at Canterbury Christ Church University: the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health, and the Centre for Sport, Physical Education and Activity Research (SPEAR), where she leads interdisciplinary research that bridges creative practices, public health, and education. Angela is a practitioner and academic and leads several mixed methods projects including practice based and participatory, and is Principal Investigator for the Critical Dance Pedagogy Network. Her research explores the intersections of dance education and dance and health, drawing on sociology, psychology and pedagogy. She is Editor-in-Chief of the Research in Dance Education journal, a leading international platform for scholarly dialogue in the field, and serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Dance Medicine and Science. She is a sought‑after keynote speaker and consultant, known for her ability to translate complex theory into practical frameworks that support dancers, educators and clinicians.
Contact: ⁠⁠angela.pickard@canterbury.ac.uk⁠

Contributor biography: Kathryn Stamp

Kathryn is a researcher and educator, currently an Assistant Professor at Coventry University’s Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE). Her work explores inclusive dance practices, critical pedagogy and the role of dance in fostering social and physical well-being. A passionate advocate for collaboration and public engagement, Kathryn is Co-Chair of the Society for Dance Research, a board member of Dance HE, an ambassador for AWA DANCE, and serves on the We Are Epic advisory board. Her recent books include Ethical Agility in Dance: Rethinking Technique in British Dance (Routledge, 2023), co-edited with Noyale Colin and Catherine Seago, and Dancing (Emerald Press, 2024), co-authored with Colin as part of the Arts for Health series.

Email: kathryn.stamp@coventry.ac.uk

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kathryn-stamp-847642137 

AHRC-funded Dance Research Matters Networks

The five AHRC-funded Dance Research Matters Networks explore current issues and generate change and legacy for the sector.

For more information, please visit: danceresearchmatters.coventry.ac.uk    

Instagram and Twitter: @danceresearchmatters