Men make up 52.9% of the workforce
(Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2006-2010 American Community Survey) and 26.8% of
the workers in education, training, and library occupations (Source: U.S.
Census Bureau, 2011 American Community Survey) At this conference men will make
up approximately 4% of attendees. Though it is considerable that fewer men in
the field of dance education join the organization, the number is far
below the national average for educational fields. We feel that we can safely infer
that men are simply a small minority in dance education. Why is this when
men make up a much larger percentage of professional dance companies? Where are
the men going after they perform? Why do so few go into the field of dance
education? What keeps those who pursue a dance education career in the
field? How can we draw more men in to the field, and perhaps keep more boys
dancing as well?
The members of this panel comprise a diverse, multi-generational group of men in dance that offer insights into these questions and more. By drawing on their own experience as dancers, choreographers, and educators they provide a backdrop for a myriad of topics concerning men in dance and what the future may hold for this persistent and irrepressible minority within the world of dance education.
