ABSTRACT
This chapter considers empathy as not only laying within realms of cognitive and emotional understanding, but also as an aspect of kinaesthetic experience, in dance education, as well as in larger conversations about diversity and conflict. It then presents examples that illustrate specific teaching practices transcending cultural boundaries and facilitating increased connection, self to self and self to other. Simple movement activities like mirroring allow one student or group to validate other's experience and can lead to deeper empathic connections between participants. To facilitate an empathic group experience with a hip-hop class in Wuhan, China, Kristen introduced students to dance concepts such as weight sensing and energy qualities and invited them to explore and develop individual ideas through improvisations and solo work. In dance classrooms abroad, shared movement experiences can help overcome barriers of language, culture and traditions. Movement and dance are key in expanding the ability to 'feel into' another's lived experience.
