NCID-2677
Alesondra Christmas Stapleton
Inclusive Excellence Learning and Development Specialist & Lecturer
The Ohio State University
Education/Degree:
1 Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies Dance Studies (The Ohio State University)
About
Dr. Alesondra (Alex) Christmas earned her PhD in Dance Studies through the Department of Dance at The Ohio State University. Her dissertation research focused on the navigations of Racial Battle Fatigue in Black women dance educators at Predominantly White Institutions. Christmas’ academic scholarship uplifts the thought, labor, and creative practices of Black women in dance. Christmas infuses Black Feminist and social justice praxis into her creative processes as a dance dramaturg and academic courses in a movement toward collective liberation. She has designed and implemented “Anti-Racism in the Arts: The Basics” and “Anti-Racism & Social Justice in Dance,” which are free courses available to the public through OSU Scarlet Canvas.
Current Work
My research and practices are deeply rooted in Black Feminist Praxis and anti-racism to support a culture of liberation and justice. My dissertation research, “Navigations of Racial Battle Fatigue in Black Women Dance Educators,” investigates the institutional violence Black women dance educators experience and outlines vital institutional changes required to support them. This research has prepared me to think holistically about how artists exist within an educational system and make decisions that create sustainable plans for talent development and training. My other written scholarship has also focused on Black women's artistic labor and accomplishments in dance. Through my written scholarship, I have become an active member of the arts ecosystem with a focus on emphasizing the importance of the African diaspora. I also utilize dance dramaturgy and curation as my primary creative practices, infusing them with a Black Feminist sensibility.
Research Area Keyword(s)
Black Feminist Praxis, Critical Race Theory, Gendered Racism, Black Performance Theory, racial battle fatigue