Episode 52, ACT 2: Michelle Manzanales - Shattering the Box

Teaching Artistry with Courtney J. Boddie

Hello, TA PODience. When we posted Act 1 of Episode 52, we noted that we realize that there is a lot going on in the world and want to acknowledge the continued shared traumas we’re experiencing here and globally. Unfortunately, the same sentiment remains true as we post the second half of this two-part discussion. We truly hope that your takeaway from our newest installment is one of calm, joy and a celebration of the power of the arts. In Act 2 of Episode 52: “Shattering the Box,” Courtney continues her conversation with Michelle Manzanales, Director of Ballet Hispánico’s School of Dance. If Act 1 was centered on treating this fraught pandemic time as a moment for reinventing, restructuring and reimagining, this one expands the conversation around impact to an even warmer, thoughtful discussion about intentional approaches to arts learning. At the heart of this chat is that, at its very core, engaging kids through the arts is about joy—access to joy—and how dance specifically can harness that. In one instance, Michelle notes that it’s magical to witness someone find the confidence, the courage, the strength to access their freedom and joy, and to be able to stand up straight, chest out and chin up through dance. They discuss further the impact not only on the self, the internal impact and external effects of engaging in the arts, but also how those positive, impactful moments can ripple out into the world, effecting positive change. So, how does this conversation conclude? You’ll have to listen to find out! We thank you for listening. Take care of yourself and each other. Until next time, and with love and gratitude, the TA with CJB #PodSquad.