Welcome to ATD!

Welcome!

At a time when the world feels divided and uncertain, the arts matter more than ever. For many years, the art that has mattered most to me is dance. The movement of our bodies helps teach us what it means to be human; we carry in our bodies not only our own personal memories, but the memories of all the places we have been, the stories we have been told, and the people we have met along the way. By tracing the steps of our past, it becomes possible to choreograph our future. I founded America Through Dance (ATD) to create this website because I love dance, and I believe that dance has the power to increase our understanding of American history and culture so that we can reimagine a future that is kinder, more inclusive, and more just.

Dance is more than a technique or a tradition, it is something that is alive and relevant to our civic life. I was excited to realize that many important moments in American history have a dance story behind them. From the role of swing dance in World War II to the way hip hop gave voice to young people in cities across the U.S., movement and meaning are often connected. This site is my way of exploring those connections—and sharing them with others.

Whether you're a student or teacher of American Studies, a dancer, or someone interested in social justice and civic education, I hope you'll find something here that sparks your curiosity, helps you make connections and see things from a new perspective, and maybe even create something new. Thanks for visiting!

Madeline Peoples

Founder and Executive Editor, America Through Dance