Shrinkage

A Study of Black Hair in Dance

It’s not just my hair.
It’s my culture. It’s my identity. It’s my ancestors.
It’s my history. It’s my people. It’s my heritage.

About

"Shrinkage” is a research study that explores the impact of the perception of Black hair on the lives of dancers. This project seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of Black dancers and their hair within dance.

We believe this study is necessary as there is a lack of analysis on the topic, as the experiences of Black dancers are often overlooked. Considering how traditional—and, often, rigid —the world of ballet and dance, in general, can be, Black dancers' experiences deserve to be examined.

The research will help us create policies and resources to improve how dance and the dance institution interact with Black dancers and their hair.

The Process

Survey Launch

After examining the existing conversations, data collection methods, and research around Black hair, including, but not limited to, those in dance, we will work together to develop a survey to circulate and gather information from our community.

Interviews

To gather more qualitative data, we will facilitate one-on-one interviews and small group discussions with survey respondents to get a deeper view of their experiences with their hair in dance.

Report + Resources

After analyzing our data, we will publish a report and produce resources on how to protect and style your hair, advocate for yourself, and create more hair equity in dance.

#Shrinkage Merch!

“it’s not just my hair” Shrinkage T-Shirts

$30

$30

$30

Limited Edition!

🛒

Get it while supplies last!

🖤

Limited Edition! 🛒 Get it while supplies last! 🖤

The Shrinkage Team

  • Deisha King

    As a dance artist and educator, I’m dedicated to creating a learning environment where my students feel seen and celebrated in all of their uniqueness. And as someone who believes deeply in the power of the arts to inspire social change, I'm thrilled to be part of this project exploring the intersections of Black hair and dance. It’s an incredible opportunity to connect with an amazing community of artists and I’m excited to see where this project leads us.

    Must-have hair product: Silk Scarf

  • Sarai Daniels

    Hi! My name is Sarai Daniels. I am a dancer, creative, and lover of my kinky curls. I joined the Shrinkage team because I want to help my fellow dancers thrive while unapologetically rocking their natural hair in dance spaces.

    Must-have hair product: (Melanin Haircare) Leave-in conditioner!

  • Daphne Marcelle Lee

    Hey I’m Daphne, freelance artist living in the city. Love detangling topics that push the dance world. Lover of traveling, eating amazing food, and resting. I joined to have another amazing group of artists to connect and bring this topic to the forefront.

    Must-have hair product: Just water!

  • Aradia Sessoms

    I am a 2022 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Montclair State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Minor in Musical Theatre. I’m so thrilled to include my passion for dance, the arts, and the stories and beauty of natural hair to the Shrinkage Team. Our stories and voices deserve to be heard and the work for all natural hair types to be positively accepted, represented, and included in dance studios, classrooms and stages is not over.

    Must have hair product: Eco Style Argon Oil Gel, Minoval Castor Oil 100% Pure Haitian Palma Christi Oil, Coconut Oil

  • Emma Jennings

    Hi! My name is Emma and I am a Spring 2022 graduate from Towson University with a BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography. I will be joining Collage Dance Collective as an Apprentice for their upcoming season. I love the outdoors, baking, and crime shows. I am so excited to be a part of this project and expand the knowledge of Black hair in the dance world along with working with this amazing group of people.

    Must have hair product: Mielle Pomegranate and Honey Leave-in Conditioner

  • Antuan Byers

    I am a dancer, model, creative entrepreneur, and arts organizer using movement as a catalyst for societal change. My hair has been critiqued and policed in both white, and non-white dance spaces, and I'm excited to collect and share quantitative and qualitative data to affirm the experiences of many dancers in our community.

    Must have hair product: Fur Ingrown Concentrate

#Shrinkage Youtube Playlist

Explore our #Shrinkage playlist, a resource for Black dancers on their hair journey. Discover styling techniques to empower and inspire you. Join us in reshaping the conversation around Black hair in the dance world!

Barbershop / Hair Salon Playlist

The perfect playlist for wrapping your hair, doing your twist-out, shaping up your beard, or laying those edges.