I DANCE BECAUSE...

About the Book

In this time where children are fighting the battles of low self esteem and self worth, this book will be the equivalent to a refreshing glass of water to those who are thirsty or a breath of fresh air to those who need to breathe. It is my hope that this book will rekindle the fire of a declining American art form. This book is about healing. It contains essays, poems, and insights into dance and it works in a powerful effective way to change the quality of the individual’s life experience for the better. Through dance, individuals can display pride, self-expression, and identity. For the students of Dr. E. Alma Flagg School, the history of Modem dance will speak to them personally, as well as culturally. A dance would look quite different without the influence of the African and Latin contribution. Throughout history we have discovered how dance has enabled people to communicate their thoughts and ideas and provide comfort in times of sorrow and misery. I Dance Because.... Is a gift of comfort, peace, hope and inspiration. Page by page you will feel the passion and heartfelt thoughts as dancers describe the reasons they dance. Mrs. Pope has enlisted the talents of many individuals, from many different places to speak to one thing that they all love, DANCING!! She serves as a teacher truly committed towards the promotion of her students as well as her art form. In a short time, I have witnessed her transform some of the most challenging students into individuals who believe in themselves and work diligently to meet her approval. She is truly an asset to our school and I applaud her efforts in compiling this extensive volume of information to motivate the next generations of dancers. Roy T. Wilson Principal Dr. E. Alma Flagg School

About the Author

Susan Pope holds a BA in dance from the University of Maryland and a MA in dance education from Teacher''s College, Columbia University. Currently she teaches dance for Newark Public Schools at Dr. E. Alma Flagg School. Previously she taught dance for New York City Public School at I.S. 218/Chiidren''s Aid Society Community School in Washington Heights where she also directed the SUMA/Children''s Aid Society Dance Company. In May of 2000, Susan was invited to the White House to speak at a conference hosted by President and Mrs. Clinton titled Raising Responsible and Resourceful Youth. Susan spoke on the impact of dance education in the lives of her students and her perspectives of working in a community school. In 1998 she was selected to be in Who''s Who Among American Teachers. She recently published an article in the International Journal of AAHPERD titled Mourning Into Dancing - The Transformation of Lives. In 1995 God called Susan to direct the St. James AME Church Dance Ministry. Under God''s anointing the group has grown from 8 women to over 100 members now split into 7 groups. She shares this mantle with her husband and 7 other directors and choreographers. Susan is a member of the National Liturgical Dance Ministry Network where she serves the Northern New Jersey chairperson; the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance and the National Dance Association. She leads workshops in liturgical dance and dance education. She ministers in dance at conferences, conventions, weddings, funerals and seminars. Susan is the mother of Spencer Charles Greene and the wife of Darrell Allen Pope but most importantly she is a child of God. She believes God created her with the definite purpose of helping others through movement.