Representation in Dance Education Matters: The Wakanda Phenomenon

Representation in dance education influences how students perceive themselves, their potential, and their cultural heritage. The Wakanda phenomenon is a metaphor for what is possible when we center Black identity, ancestry, and creativity in dance education. This article explores how a chance encounter while teaching a children’s dance education methods course inspired me to create activities for my students that specifically affirm their identities. Although this article focuses on elements of significance to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), it can be appropriated for any population.