Dancing Motherhood

Dancing Motherhood explores how unique factors about the dance profession impact pregnant women and mothers working in it. Ali Duffy introduces the book by laying a foundation of social and cultural histories and systemic structures and power that shape the issues mothers in dance negotiate today. This book then reveals perspectives from mothers in dance working in areas such as performance, choreography, dance education, administration, and advocacy though survey and interview data. Based on participant responses, recommendations for changes in policy, hiring, evaluation, workplace environment, and other professional and personal practices to better support working mothers in dance are highlighted. Finally, essays from eight working mothers in dance offer intimate, personal stories and guidance geared to mothers, future mothers, policymakers, and colleagues and supervisors of mothers in the dance field. By describing lived experiences and offering suggestions for improved working conditions and advocacy, this book initiates expanded discussion about women in dance and promotes change to positively impact dancing mothers, their employers, and the dance field.

Ali Duffy (PhD, MFA) is a Professor, Graduate Director, and Associate Head of Dance in the School of Theatre and Dance at Texas Tech University, USA. She is also the Artistic Director of Flatlands Dance Theatre and a co-founder of the International Parenting and Dance Network.

Contributors About the Author Acknowledgments Preface 1 Research Design, Methodologies, and Processes 2 Theoretical Frameworks and Dominant Narratives of Women at Work and Women in Dance 3 Bodies 4 Identities, Values, and Relationships 5 Unmet Needs, Conflicts, and Challenges 6 'For the Tribe': Essays to Mothers, Future Mothers, and Non-Mothers 7 Organizational and Cultural Transformations to Benefit Pregnant People and Mothers in Dance Epilogue: In Closing: A Dancing Letter to My Child Index