Experience the fun and benefits of including folk dance in your music classroom! Dance teaching strategies and sequencing will be explored, as well as culture and style. This will be an active session, so wear your comfortable shoes.

Dr. Martha Riley was Coordinator of Music Education at Purdue from 1986 until her retirement in 2015. She served as Music Division Chair from 2006 to 2011. Prior to her appointment at Purdue, she was Chair of the Music Department at Gonzaga University. Martha received her B.A. from St. Olaf College and her M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Minnesota. Originally from Berea, Kentucky, she grew up with a rich heritage of folk music and dance, which impacted her work. She is the author of several publications for educators, including Backwoods Heritage: Traditional Songs, Dances, Fiddle Tunes, and More, English Country Dances for Children, Singing Indiana History: A Musical Resource Guide for Teachers, and Share Indiana Music. Throughout her career, Martha presented numerous workshops and conference sessions for music educators in the United States, Canada, and Australia. In retirement, she continues to teach and call folk dances and to direct a children’s choir.