Sally Radell

Sally Radell is a Professor of Dance and Director of the Dance Program and Undergraduate Studies at Emory University. She has been at Emory since 1987, founding the dance degree program which has since grown significantly under her leadership. Her academic roles include teaching modern and ballet technique, improvisation, composition, Labanotation, and somatics.

Radell holds an MA in choreography/Labanotation from The Ohio State University and an MFA in dance from Arizona State University. Her research focuses on female body image, particularly in dance education, and she has conducted empirical studies on mirror use in dance classrooms. Her work has been presented internationally and published in journals like International Journal of Dance Medicine & Science and Research in Dance Education.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes a mind-body approach to kinesthetic learning, aiming to foster self-expression and reduce body image inhibitions. She is a member of the International Association of Dance Medicine & Science and the National Dance Education Organization. Over her career, she has mentored numerous students, maintaining long-term mentoring relationships post-graduation.

Radell’s research explores how mirrors in dance classrooms impact body image and performance, with studies showing nuanced effects on beginner and advanced dancers. Her work bridges somatic practices, pedagogy, and empirical research to promote healthy body image in dance education.