DEL Dunham, Diaspora and Embodied Self-Knowledge
Live Webinar – Feb 11. 2026 | Recording Available Until June 30
Webinar
Live Webinar – Feb 11. 2026 | Recording Available Until June 30
Time: 7-8PM
Pricing: $30
Location: Online (Zoom Webinar)
Course Designed By: Instructors:
In celebration of Black History Month and the 30th anniversary of the Dance Education Laboratory, this dynamic webinar explores the life, legacy, and global impact of Katherine Dunham through the lens of diaspora and embodied knowledge.
Led by Frederick Curry, Associate Professor of Professional Practice and Director of the Graduate Dance Education Program at Mason Gross School of the Arts, this session centers Dunham’s experiences across the Black Atlantic diaspora. Drawing from her anthropological fieldwork, global touring, and sustained relationships with artists and cultural communities, the webinar examines how these experiences shaped her artistry, pedagogy, and activism.
Participants will explore:
- Who Katherine Dunham was as a dancer, choreographer, anthropologist, educator, and social justice activist
- The concept of the Black Atlantic and African diaspora
- The foundations and philosophy of Dunham Technique
- How diaspora manifests in Dunham’s work and enduring legacy
The session also features insights from Dunham master teacher Penny Godboldo, who shares reflections on how diaspora lives within Dunham Technique and her own embodied journey within the tradition.
Through historical context, critical reflection, and practical takeaways, this webinar invites dance educators and artists to consider how culturally rooted practices cultivate embodied self-knowledge, civic engagement, and global awareness. Participants will leave with deeper insight into Dunham’s groundbreaking contributions and resources for continued exploration of her work.
Meet Your Instructors
Frederick Curry
Frederick Curry is an Associate Professor of Professional Practice in the Dance Department at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. His scholarship focuses on equity-informed dance pedagogy and somatic practices, on which he has led workshops and presented at conferences internationally including in Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France,...