Brenda Dixon Gottschild

Manifesto & Mission Statement

As movement researchers and performing scholars of the African Diaspora, we have all experienced some form of either outright discrimination or subversive, exclusionary tactics by the academic community. CDSM is our response to millennial-style racism in our supposed post-racist era. Like those involved in the Civil Rights Movement of the mid-20^th century, we are resolved to be proactive. Our fledgling organization is creating a database, disseminating our Mission Statement, and gathering resources (including legal counsel). We welcome new members from across the Diaspora as we extend our base.  A voluntary, non-profit coalition of concerned dancer/scholars, we do not collect dues or elect officers. We are a service organization, ready to “trouble the waters” in order to embrace our future fully and fairly.

Our Mission:

• To offer strategic advice for Diasporan scholars and movement artists in academic settings
• To maintain a database for networking and announcements
• To configure an organized process of pairing mentors and mentees in times of growth and crisis
• To serve as an accessible hub for national/international collaboration and partnering for efficient processes of sharing resources and social capital
• To serve as a medium through which members can share experiences and advice, discuss best practices, and offer support.

We can be reached at cdsm@iabdassociation.org

A shout out from Brenda about Dan Beaty, who is performing his moving, captivating EMERGENCY in Philly, sponsored by The Brothers. Yes, Virginia, there is theater that makes you laugh, think, cry, and has you on your feet for ovations and lifting your voice in joy! See this talented, skillful young artist if you can! 

Dr. Takiyah Nur Amin recently interviewed Brenda for New Books in Dance, a newly launched part of the New Books Network. Brenda was the first author featured and praised Dr. Amin for “asking the kind of intelligent questions that make it a pleasure to be interviewed.” Read Dr. Amin’s thoughtful introduction and listen to the interview here

Brenda gave two speeches during the past year that many have asked her to share. Below are links to each:

Thinking Joan, Drinking Dance (Presentation notes written and formatted for oral delivery). Presented as the Keynote Address Society of Dance History Scholars (SDHS) 35th Annual Conference Philadelphia, PA, June 16, 2012

Sense of Place in Time and Space – The Philadanco Dance/Music (Presentation notes written and formatted for oral delivery). Presented  at the Congress on Research in Dance (CORD) 2011 Annual Conference Philadelphia, PA,  November 18, 2011

A recent Facebook Message from Brenda that shows her appreciation for the past year.

“I recently closed the book, so to speak, on the spring tour for Joan Myers Brown & the Audacious Hope of the Black Ballerina with two events, a book signing at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas in New Haven and the keynote speech at the Society of Dance History Scholars’ annual conference in Philly. A wonderful way to wind down that last few months of book activity: great audiences, engaging post-presentation conversations (always too brief), and meet-and-greets with attendees while signing books (my favorite part of these events). But “It ain’t over till it’s over.” After “chillin” during a July and August vacation (much needed), I intend to resume presentations and book signing events as invitations come in for the fall and thereafter.”

On Friday, June 1, Brenda and Joan were featured on WHYY’s Friday Arts. If you missed it, check it out now–click the image and watch the show!

Get out your calendars and open to June 1! Brenda’s got an evening for you…Start at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she and Joan, in a conversation moderated by Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, will talk about the book as part of the Museum’s Art After 5 program. Following the discussion, is a Philadanco performance. After PMA, end the evening in front of the tv with Friday Arts on WHYY-TV (starts at 8:30 p.m. so you might have to set your DVR), which will feature Joan and Brenda telling the Philadanco story!

Yesterday, Joan and Brenda spoke to students from Philadelphia’s Esperanza Academy about writing, issues of race and culture, how travel has shaped their lives and perspectives, performance and dedication to craft in the face of many, many obstacles. It was an energizing and inspiring dialogue with these bright, engaged young people.

Brenda is featured on the Tavis Smiley Show this week. Click on the thumbnail to listen to the clip.