Jody Gottfried Arnhold recognized for dance education advocacy
DEL Founder Jody Gottfried Arnhold has been recognized for her dance education teaching and advocacy by the American Dance Festival and Hunter College.
This is a celebratory summer for DEL Founder, Jody Gottfried Arnhold!
Jody has been awarded the 2023 Balasaraswati/Joy Anne Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching from American Dance Festival, and she also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Hunter College!
At DEL, we are so proud to work towards Jody’s mission of “dance for every child.” Alongside Jody, we envision dance education in every school, included in every curriculum, just as important as math, science, or social studies.
Jody knows firsthand how dance transforms a school, because for more than 25 years, she taught dance at P.S. 75, a public school here in New York City. In 1995, she founded Dance Education Laboratory at 92NY to provide practical, affirming professional development in order to support teachers like her.
She has committed every moment to advocating for dance educators who, in turn, inspire thousands of students around the world.
Director of the DEL Institute – Teacher Certificate Program and DEL Founding Faculty, Ann Biddle, and Director of DEL, Erin Lally, presented the 2023 Balasaraswati/Joy Anne Dewey Beinecke Endowed Chair for Distinguished Teaching to Jody on June 28, 2023 at ADF in Durham, NC. The heartfelt video tribute above, produced by Nel Shelby Productions, played at the event.
“You are a treasured visionary. Your passionate goal of bringing dance to every child and to nurturing dance educators is life-changing for children, families, and communities. By sparking the imaginations of all those you touch, you are changing the landscape of education and elevating the importance of creativity. For all that you do, we honor you as you honor the field of dance.” – Director of DEL, Erin Lally
“As a mentor to hundreds (if not thousands) of us in the field who have benefited from Jody’s generosity of spirit and dogged passion, she continues to be our guiding light, leading us on a path of innovation informed by progressive educational values. Jody’s unwavering sprit, tireless advocacy, fierce determination, and incredible generosity have paved the way for a brighter future for dance education worldwide.” – Director of the DEL Institute – Teacher Certificate Program and DEL Founding Faculty, Ann Biddle
On June 22, 2023, Jody received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Hunter College for her visionary leadership and contributions to dance education. Jody is also Chair of the Hunter College Dance Advisory Board. Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab presented the degree and gave remarks.
Following the degree ceremony, Dr. Arnhold presented the Arnhold Graduate Dance Education Program pin to this year’s class of graduates.
“These pins have a very special meaning, because they’re inspired by Jody’s devotion to bringing the noble and powerful art of dance to every child in New York City. It is a devotion that runs deep, tracing back to her 25 years as a dance teacher in New York public schools, the experience that taught her that dance is, or should be, or Jody’s words, ‘must be an integral part of a complete education.'” – Hunter College President Jennifer J. Raab
There is no dance without dance education. And there would be no spotlight on dance education without Jody Gottfried Arnhold!
Congratulations, Jody!