Members of the Teachers College community and leaders in the dance world gathered for the official opening of the College’s new Arnhold Dance Education Research Studios on Nov. 19. Established by a generous gift from Jody and John Arnhold, and the Arnhold Foundation, the new space will advance research and teaching in dance education while fostering community programming, and collaborative projects with community groups and other cultural partners.
Inspired by her belief that every child deserves a quality dance education, Jody Gottfried Arnhold (M.A. ’73) and her support established the College’s doctoral program in Dance Education, and the Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership.
“Today, Jody, you join the ranks of Grace Dodge and others, by ensuring your vision and legacy have a physical manifestation, a lasting promise to future educators to ensure a world where dance is universally accessible and equitable for every learner,” said President Thomas Bailey at the ribbon-cutting for the Arnhold research studios. “Standing here, I think we can feel history being made. Indeed, your outstanding efforts have significantly enriched the world of dance and education and align so perfectly with the history and mission of Teachers College.”
Located in Horace Mann, the building where dance education began at Teachers College in the school’s early days, the studios welcomed students for the first time in August — when Arnhold taught the space’s first class.
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Barbara Bashaw, TC’s Arnhold Professor of Practice in Dance Education and Executive Director of the Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership; KerryAnn O'Meara, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and Dean of the College; Jody Gottfried Arnhold (M.A. ’73); President Thomas Bailey; and William Dodge Rueckert, TC Chair Emeritus and Board Member. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Barbara Bashaw, TC’s Arnhold Professor of Practice in Dance Education and Executive Director of the Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership; Jody Gottfried Arnhold (M.A. ’73); and President Thomas Bailey cut the ribbon for the Arnhold Dance Education Research Studios. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
The Arnhold Dance Education Research Studios are officially open with the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Performances began with Congolese drumming by Fitzgerald Sam to accompany the demonstration of the studio's retractable wall. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Doctoral student Parul Shah, who works primarily in a South Asian dance form, performs in one of the Arnhold Dance Education Research Studios. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
“I’m always looking for the next big idea…and I’m getting a lot of help from Teachers College,” said Arnhold, who received TC’s Medal for Distinguished Service, the College’s highest honor, last spring. “The Arnhold Institute’s work is on the cutting edge. It is bridging the gap between dance education theory and practice. The work that [TC’s] exceptional faculty are doing to shape dance education expands possibilities in our schools and communities..”
Described by some visitors as “one of the most stunning dance spaces in New York City,” the Arnhold research studios mark the latest chapter of dance education at Teachers College, a destination for teacher educators, researchers and policy experts preparing to advance the medium’s potential to positively transform education and impact all children. The innovative doctoral program graduated its first students in 2023.
The expansion of TC’s dance program created the need for the “dream studio” that “would be worthy of the caliber of our doctoral students, worthy of the only doctoral dance education doctoral program of its kind in the nation, and worthy of the Arnhold name,” said Barbara Bashaw, TC’s Arnhold Professor of Practice in Dance Education and Executive Director of the Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership, at the opening.
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Jody Gottfried Arnhold (M.A. ’73) speaks to friends, colleagues and members of the TC community during the celebration of the Arnhold Dance Education Research Studios. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
President Thomas Bailey. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Barbara Bashaw, TC’s Arnhold Professor of Practice in Dance Education and Executive Director of the Arnhold Institute for Dance Education Research, Policy & Leadership. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
TC's Matthew Kenney Henley, Associate Professor of Dance Education, introduced the dance performances, which illustrated “dance as inquiry.” (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Dance Education doctoral student Nimisha Mahiyaria performs her research statement. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Doctoral student Kitty Conlon Macías performs. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
For Bashaw, the space “will strengthen the interconnectivity of dance education research, pedagogical innovation and community practice,” as well as ensure that “interdisciplinary research has room to rise, stretch, and connect to practice, transforming the lives of dancers, teachers, leaders, families, PK-12 schools, and children worldwide.”
As part of the celebration, current TC dance education students performed as part of five different installations in the new space — showcasing pieces that demonstrated dance-based research methodologies and deep inquiry into topics such as cultural exchange and gender identity.
“A dancer's space is home. It's where we feel safe and vulnerable enough to tap into the depths of our physical discourse. It's where we make meaningful memories and unexpected discoveries,” explains doctoral student Jen Draghi Turey. “To have such a beautifully designed and versatile space in which to explore, experiment, and share is the opportunity of a lifetime. I am so grateful to be a part of this program and look forward to witnessing the profound brilliance created within these studios.”
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Doctoral students Francine Ott and Parul Shah “engage in close observation of each other's dance practices and discuss alignment and divergence in forms, methods, and meanings.” (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Lauren Brandt Schloss, Jody Arnhold, Andrea Lodico, and Ren Pelosi. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
(Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Members of the TC community mingle outside of the Arnhold Dance Education Research Studios. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
Eto’o Tsana “creates a ritual space, calling forth her heritage in Congolese dance,” with music performed by Fitzgerald Sam. (Photo: Bruce Gilbert)
The new space opens more than 100 years after dance education first emerged at the College in the early 20th century under TC alumna and Professor Gertrude Colby, whose innovative practice drew numerous scholars to the College and forged a path for the future.
Today, dance education at TC is closely linked to Arnhold, who has enriched the lives of countless students through her teaching across schools and non-profit organizations for nearly 50 years.
“In dance education circles, her first name is enough. Everyone knows Jody,” wrote The New York Times in 2023. “They call her the doyenne of dance, the godmother. They speak of her as the No. 1 cheerleader, the most tireless and tenacious champion, the general.”
But Arnhold thinks of herself first and foremost as an educator. When she first started teaching in the ’70s, a few years after she graduated from TC, Arnhold was one of the few public school dance teachers in NYC. There are now more than 450 — in large part thanks to her efforts. But despite great strides in making dance education more accessible and equitable, the work isn’t done yet.
“I know that the field of dance education will grow and develop right here for decades to come. I have hope,” said Arnhold. “Hope for the future of dance education when I see and hear the big ideas from its graduates.”