Elon to host North Carolina Dance Education Organization Conference Feb. 21

Elon University will host the 10th annual North Carolina Dance Education Organization Conference on Saturday, Feb. 21, marking the first time the event has been held on campus.

The conference, themed “Rooted and Rising: Building an Inclusive and Resilient Future for Dance Education,” begins at 8:30 a.m. and is open to K-12, higher education and private studio dance educators from across the state. Colleagues from Appalachian State University, University of North Carolina Charlotte, High Point University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Duke University and Belmont Abbey College are among those expected to attend.

Caroline Ketcham, associate dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, and professor of exercise science, will deliver the keynote address, “It’s Our Day to Be Brilliant: Building Mentally Healthy Habits.”

Six Elon faculty and students will present research at the conference. Associate Professor of Dance Jen Guy Metcalf will present “Moving the Frame: Integrating Dance Film and Photography in the Classroom,” drawing on her Dance for the Camera course from the Elon in LA summer program. She will be joined by Associate Professor of Dance Renay Aumiller, Associate Professor of Art Ryan Rasmussen, Associate Professor of Music Doug Jurs, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Performing Arts Caitlyn Schrader and Assistant Professor of Performing Arts Kayla Higbee who is presenting research with Brooke Goldstein ’26.

Students Antonina Spinello ’26 and Evelyn Ealey ’26 also will present original research. Spinello’s work examines how United States ballet companies responded to COVID-19 and social justice movements from 2019 to 2024. Ealey’s research explores the mental health impacts on Black dancers at predominantly white institutions and aims to spark dialogue about how educators can better support their students.

“This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen our dance community through networking, sharing research and engaging in professional development,” Metcalf said.

Registration is available online.