معرفی
Julie L. Pentz is a Professor of Dance in the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Kansas State University, where she has taught for 18 years. She teaches jazz and tap dance, directs the K-State Tap Dance Ensemble, and offers courses in dance appreciation, teaching methods, and K-State First programs. Internationally recognized, she has guest taught and performed in Italy, Taiwan, Spain, Ghana, and Kuwait.
Her educational background includes:
- BFA in Dance Education, Shenandoah University
- MFA in Theatre Arts, University of Arizona
Dr. Pentz's research centers on enhancing family relationships through dance, particularly via her \"Tap To Togetherness Across Populations\" program, which examines parent-child connectedness, physical movement, and activity enjoyment. This work partners with Parents as Teachers, K-12 schools, senior populations, and homeschool networks, and extends to Parkinson's Disease research. She has authored two children's books and the 2021 textbook \"Dance Appreciation\", with publications spanning dance education, community engagement, and child development journals.
Dr. Pentz has directed student activities through the National Dance Educators Organization (2017-2020) and mentors emerging dance educators. Her \"Tap To Togetherness\" program is one of 15 institutional partnerships for Kansas State University's Carnegie Foundation Community Engagement Reclassification, reflecting significant grant-supported community impact.
She directs the non-profit Tap To Togetherness Across Populations (www.taptotogetherness.org), operating community programs with K-12 networks, senior centers, and Parkinson's initiatives. Her team has produced children's books \"Tap Tap Tap Your Toe\" and \"Tap Tap Tap Like a Rhinoceros\", with two new research volumes scheduled for 2025 publication.
