Dance: It's in Your DNA is composed of three segments. In the first section of this book, the Sankofa approach is utilized. This entails looking back to history as a foundation for dance. This allows for a better understanding of the present in an effort to best shape the future. In the first segment of this publication, a snapshot view of the history of African dance and its relationship to the evolution of African American dance is explored. In the next section, segment, the state of African American health is reviewed to substantiate why moving and exercising, through dancing, matters. Current health challenges of African Americans are detailed. This book then examines the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of dance. These advantages can aid in circumventing health issues that are quite prevalent among Black people. The third segment of this publication presents responses from dancers regarding why they dance. Dancers share their impressions of the benefits, challenges, and experiences that are associated with the art. This section concludes with a special poem written by one of the Washington Park Senior Line Dancers. The Addendum provides additional information regarding Tips for New Dancers, Information regarding African Dances, and the Survey Instrument. Readers are also encouraged to use the pages that follow to consider their dance strengths, challenges and aspirations. Hopefully, each segment of Dance: It's in our DNA will inform readers about the role, evolution and continued importance of dance among African Americans. Ideally, this publication will encourage readers to continue to dance or to begin dancing!
About the Author: Dr. Jacqualyn F. Green is the founder of Green Enterprizes, a counseling, consulting and training firm established in Indianapolis, in1983. She has worked nationally and internationally, providing seminars on cultural diversity, leadership skills, generational challenges, and spiritual understanding. Dr. Green has a Bachelor Degree in Psychology from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee and Masters and Doctorate degrees in Social Work from Indiana University. Her first book, Spiritual Resilience was based upon her own spiritual journey, questions posed by clients and friends, and colleagues, through the years, and learnings from her trips throughout the United States, as well as to many countries in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and Canada. Her second book, Racial Resilience is the outgrowth of her dissertation, which captured African American student experiences and recommendations regarding success in HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) and PWI's (Predominantly White Institutions). In this publication, Dr. Green introduced a concept that is often overlooked in the college setting, the ability f the student and the institution to respond to individual or organizational racial challenges. Her third publication, Grandmama Mama Drama details the custody battle that many parents and grandparents encounter when attempting to provide a sale and nurturing environment for children. Grandparent roles, strengths, challenges, resources, and personal stories from grandparents are captured in this book. Dr. Green is a regular contributor to the Black Child Journal and an annual presenter at the International Black Women's Congress (IBWC), The Black Writers Events (BWE), and the Consortium of Doctors (COD). Each year, Dr. Green convenes the Authors and Friends Panel at Fisk University. Dr. Green is married, with two sons and three grandchildren. She attributes her success to God, her ancestors, particularly her parents, who have ascended, and to her family who has assisted in this writing effort, as well as in every endeavor she has undertaken. It is Dr. Green's hope that by reading Dance! It's in your DNA, readers will learn more about their culture, the benefits of dancing, the positive experiences of dancers and will be moved to DANCE!