Contexting Education Policy & Reform | Angela Pickard
With the boom in dance universities and academies worldwide over the past two decades, aspiring dancers today may feel spoiled for choice. Yet, identifying true gems among these institutions is crucial for those seeking professional training backed by top educators to shape their futures.
Hence why, I explored these crucial choices with Angela Pickard, a dynamic curriculum builder and innovative thinker who became the UK's first Professor of Dance Education in 2021. Angela is the Director of the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health within the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care, the Route Lead for the MA Arts, Health and Performance, and the Director of the Hub for Practice-Based Research in the Arts at the School of Creative Arts and Industries. With a background as a dancer, choreographer, practitioner, and academic, Angela brings a wealth of experience in arts research, particularly dance and movement practices, along with a dedication to exploring the relationship between the arts and physical, psychological, social, and artistic outcomes.
In this episode, Angela and I delve into the art of policy-making and education reform, sharing the lessons that have shaped her mission to enhance the dance and performing arts learning environment. Welcome to Episode 3 of Season 3, Contexting Education Policy and Reform.
Soundtracks:
- Birds - Tyler Twombly
- Poison Ivy Yard Work - Uncle Milk
- Fjords - Treasurseason
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Angela Pickard
Professor / Lecturer / Researcher
Professor Angela Pickard is the Director of the Sidney De Haan Research Centre for Arts and Health in the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Social Care. Angela is a dancer, choreographer, practitioner and academic. She became the first Professor of Dance Education in 2021. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in arts research, particularly dance and movement practices, and a passion for exploring the value and relationship between arts and physical, psychological, social and artistic outcomes.
She is also Route lead for the MA Arts, Health and Performance and Director of the hub for practice-based research in the arts in the School of Creative Arts and Industries.
Angela has taught a range of ages and stages from toddlers to older novice adults and her research and practice has impacted on participatory and and professional dance practice. She has worked with young talented dancers at The Place, Northern Ballet, The Royal Ballet School, and Trinity Laban Conservatoire as part of her work ‘Investigating Talented Dancers' and 'Investigating Widening Participation in Dance.' She has led research into social and artistic outcomes of using creative dance for falls prevention as 'Dance to Health'. She is now leading research with early years and dance artists with South East Dance as 'Little Big Dance,', New Adventures 'Cygnets' and with Parents and Carers in Performing Arts (PiPA) in relation to challenges to progression in a dance career for dance artists that are parents/carers.
