Jun 29, 2021
This week on 5.6.7.EIGHT, Aleksandra speaks with Emmaly Wiederholt, Founder and Editor of Stance on Dance — an online publication that interviews dancers who are members of marginalized groups. Wiederholt, a veteran dancer, holds a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. She is also a published author, whose book features the stories of dancers over the age of fifty. She’s currently working on her second book that focuses on dancers with disabilities.
Emmaly understands the value of gathering multiple perspectives in the arts and has dedicated her life to doing so. Emmaly knows that, often, those with the deepest, richest, longest and most complex life experiences are those who can bring the truest art to the stage. Yet, while this may be true, these stories often are overshadowed by others who claim the spotlight. On the podcast, Emmaly walks through each of her unique efforts to put these rich stories on full display and explains why this work is not only important but is critical to the art.
Moving Quotes:
"If art is based off of experience, then the more life experience you have, the more powerful and rich your art practice becomes."
"In dance, this emphasis on youth is harmful — harmful from a mental health standpoint, but also harmful in terms of the artistry and richness of our field."
"I benefit from dance, not only in terms of physically and emotionally. But also in terms of building community. I make this joke that, when you show up to a dance class, you just have friends! That kind of community building can be very difficult for lots of adults."
"Dance is empowering. It's empowering to be in your body and to feel your body moving. And to be in relationship with people around you... It's empowering to know that you can still show up, be in your body, and be creative."
"I find that visuals are a really necessary tool for people to engage. Because dance is generally a really visual art form — most people go as audience members and watch before they take their first dance class. So it felt important to show visuals in both of my books."
Bullet Points (w/ timestamps) - Highlighting key topics discussed:
3:03: Emmaly explains the story behind Stance on Dance and the goal that the organization is looking to accomplish.
6:27: Emmaly discusses her published book — Beauty is Experience: Dancing 50 and Beyond — and how the book came about.
11:56: Wiederholt explains why she believes dance is an important art for people of all ages but, specifically, for those above the age of 50.
13:52: Wiederholt speaks to the trend of dance studios opening, specifically for those in older age groups.
17:49: Emmaly describes what she hopes to accomplish through her Beauty is Experience book.
19:09: Emmaly discusses her second work — Discussing Disability in Dance — and how that book came to be.
23:02: Wiederholt shares her goals for this book and how she hopes readers are impacted.
25:29: Emmaly, who holds a master’s degree in journalism, discusses the impact that her education has had on her life and gives some advice for those considering advanced degrees.
28:59: Emmaly shares some simple and important advice for all podcast listeners.
Bullet List of Resources –
Emmaly Wiederholt
Stance on Dance