DELving into American Modern Dance History

Overview

DELving into American Modern Dance History

Course Description: DELving into American Modern Dance History is a six-module/week asynchronous course designed for dance educators who want to re-imagine early American modern dance history through the lens of embodied and inquiry-based learning.

Course content is derived from the DEL at Jacob’s Pillow DELving into Dance History series, created by Ann Biddle and Felice Santorelli, which investigates dance artists through multiple contextual lenses to gain a holistic and more inclusive understanding of dance history. Participants will engage in collaborative research, gain access to multi-modal course resources and primary sources, and interact with the rich content on the Jacob’s Pillow interactive site.

This virtual interactive course is a result of a collaboration between the Dance Education Laboratory of the 92NY Harkness Dance Center and Jacob’s Pillow. 

Course Designed by: Ann Biddle, MA, and Felice Santorelli, Ed.M

Learning Objectives: 

In this course, participants will…

• Trace their own dance lineage and personal dance history and examine their participation in the dance history continuum.
• Research and experience the connected dance lineage of early American modern dance artists through research, embodied movement activities, and choreographic explorations.
• Learn strategies to embed inclusive and culturally relevant instructional practices within dance history lessons and units
• Apply new insights and awareness gained from the DELving course content into lesson planning and curriculum design

Course Format: Asynchronous - All course material online! Students receive access to all course materials for 1 Year.

Prerequisites: None

Study Options: Independent Study ($190) or Facilitated Study ($380)

Independent Study - Cost: $190

Independent Study courses offer students the freedom to learn at their own pace, allowing them to dedicate as much or as little time to the material as they choose. With no set deadlines, students have full control over the timing and progression of their learning. This format is best suited for those who prefer to study independently and autonomously. Students will retain access to course materials for one year, providing ample opportunity to revisit and review content at their convenience.

Facilitated Study - Cost: $380

Facilitated Study courses offer a more structured and interactive learning experience, ideal for students who value consistent feedback, community engagement, and a clear course timeline. Students will submit weekly assignments, along with a final assignment, and receive written feedback from facilitators. Courses may include discussion boards for peer interaction and all feature a mid-course Zoom meeting where students can meet their cohort, engage with peers, and connect directly with the course facilitator for additional support and guidance. Designed for students who thrive in a guided, collaborative setting, this format requires approximately 3 hours of engagement per week. Additionally, all Facilitated Study courses are eligible for undergraduate credit through DEL's partnership with SUNY Empire State University for a separate and additional fee. 

Facilitated Study Course Dates:  April 27 – June 7, 2026, with final assignments due June 21, 2026.

Credits:

Students may take this course for SUNY Empire State University credit for a separate and additional fee, and will receive 4 undergraduate credits. 

Educators can also receive New York State CTLE credits for completed DEL courses.

Discounts:

• NYCDOE dance specialists get 50% off every DEL course.
• NYCDOE common branch teachers get 10% off every DEL course.
• NYCDOE Arnhold New Teachers get DEL courses free for their first and second year teaching in the DOE.

Scholarships: Scholarships are available through 92NY. General 92NY scholarship information and applications are found HERE. 

Must register by Wednesday, April 22, 2026.

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to DanceEdLab@92ny.org.

Photo by Cherylynn Tsushima for Nel Shelby Productions