Beyond the Mask: Teaching Dance Authentically

Send us Fan MailIn this engaging conversation, Amanda and Leta discuss the intersection of autism and the dance studio. They focus on the importance of true authenticity and the detrimental effects of masking. They explore the challenges faced by autistic dancers in traditional dance environments, the role of teachers in fostering inclusivity, modeling true authenticity to their students, and the impact of generational trauma on perceptions of both physical and “hidden” limitations. (Such as physical disabilities, dyslexia, autism, and other disabilities.)Leta and Amanda emphasize the need for supportive spaces where everyone – dance teachers and dance students - can be their authentic self freely without the pressure to conform to societal expectations. They also discuss the need for dance teachers to practice what they preach, being their authentic selves in the classroom. They end talking about how dance teachers need to realize that the dance teachers were never broken or unworthy, that the dance teachers do not need to mask, and that the dance teachers should be their authentic self.LinksPodcast Websitehttps://www.letatapstyles.comLeta's Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/@letatapstylesAutistic Wings Dance Company's Website (Where you can learn more about Leta's new nonprofit studio for dancers on the Spectrum and donate to help the studio expand.)https://www.autisticwingsdancecompany.orgInterested in being a guest on Leta's Tap Styles? We use PodMatch. Click this link to "match" with us. https://www.podmatch.com/member/letastapstylesguest