April 28, 2005
Contact: Gordon Ovenshine 724-738-4854; gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu
SRU DANCE MAJOR WINS NATIONAL
AWARD
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – For her research
paper on how the media and dance education affect dancers’
development of body image, Slippery Rock University dance major
Melinda Planey has received the 2005 Student Literary Award from
the National Dance Association.
“I am
truly honored,” Planey, of Austintown, Ohio, said. “I
hope my research will assist in bringing attention to some
important issues in dance
education.”
The
association’s review committee, comprised of dance faculty
from around the U.S., selected Planey’s “A
Dancer’s Body: Instrument or Enemy” at the
association’s recent convention in Chicago. The Student
Literary Award recognizes quality scholarship and writing on dance
education by college students.
An edited
version of her paper is scheduled to appear in Gold Rush Magazine,
a new dance magazine, said Colleen Hearn Dean, program coordinator
for the National Dance Association. The agency also plans to post
her paper on its Web site.
Planey found
that media and societal influences, along with certain aspects of
the dance classroom environment, negatively impact the body image
of both male and female dancers. “I also found that with
appropriate knowledge, awareness and compassion, dance teachers
have the power to create an atmosphere that fosters positive body
image in their dancers,” she said.
She conducted
her research through using books, journal articles and the
Internet.
Advisers from
universities nationwide submitted student manuscripts for award
consideration. SRU’s Thom Cobb, associate professor of dance,
submitted Planey’s paper.
Planey
transferred to SRU from Youngstown State University three years
ago. She has performed with SRU Dance Theater, experimented with
dance technology and created the original choreography
“Ethereal Innocence,” performed by another dance
student at SRU’s Senior Synthesis Concert. Planey plans on
pursing a career in arts management.
The
National Dance Association is an association of the American
Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. It
promotes and supports creative and healthy lifestyles through
programs in dance education.
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