Foreword
Over the last century, modern dance in the United States has carved a clear pathway through the socio-cultural landscape, creating a rich and varied written record of the history and analysis of individual artistic visions and accomplishments. Unfortunately, no parallel narrative exists for dance education. Much of what we know is from a comparatively small number of books, articles, and presentations. The landscape is therefore incomplete, omitting the role and legacy of educational venues, and in particular higher education, in the wider web of dance history.
Anyone who has studied dance education knows that Margaret H’Doubler established the first dance major in higher education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They may also know that it was established in 1926, was begun in the Department of Physical Education for Women, and that H’Doubler was, at first, a very reluctant dance educator, having more interest in coaching basketball. As with any human enterprise, there is so much more to this story and its place in dance education.
Two of the editors of Margaret H’Doubler: The Legacy of America’s Dance Education Pioneer are close to H’Doubler through their experiences as her students, and then as colleagues and friends.