Artist Bio

Penny Godboldo is a 2018 Kresge Artist Fellow, Dunham Technique teacher at the University of Michigan, and Board Member of the Institute for Dunham Technique Certification (IDTC). As a former demonstrator for Katherine Dunham, she has been a certified Dunham teacher since 1993. She resides in Highland Park, MI, where she is a caregiver for her niece, Ariana, and the proud mother of one daughter and three wonderful grandchildren.

Godboldo is a native Detroiter and director of both the Detroit Legacy Project and the Penny Godboldo Institute. She established the annual Maryanne Godboldo Forum for Parental Rights in memory of her sister who was also a professional dancer. In partnership with Chi Amen Ra for VSAM (Very Special Arts Michigan), Godboldo offers arts programming for disabled students in Detroit Public Schools.

Godboldo completed her Ph.B. degree in Education at Wayne State University and holds an M.A. Degree in Humanities from the University of Detroit in English, with a cognate in Dance/Theater. She trained at the Alvin Ailey American Dance School, Broadway Dance Center, Steps Dance Studio, and the Martha Graham Schools in New York City. She mentored under dance Icon Katherine Dunham for over 20 years and is the only certified instructor of the Dunham technique in Michigan.

Learn More

“All You Need to Know About Dunham Technique” from Dance Spirit

Frequently Asked Questions

Will there be parking available?
Although there is not a designated parking lot, there is ample street parking nearby.

If I didn’t pre-register, can I just walk up?
Pre-registration is strongly recommended. However, depending on the demand for the class, walk-up registration is available beginning 5 minutes before each scheduled workshop and is open until spots are filled.

Do I need to wear a mask while participating in the activity?
Yes, all participants will be asked to wear a mask during the class in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

How will participants be separated from each other to ensure social distancing?
Each participant will be assigned an ~8–10 sq. ft. box, which will be delineated by chalk spray, to move within. There will also be a 5-foot gap between each box.

How can I cancel my registration if I am no longer able to participate?
To cancel your registration, please email Christina Mozumdar at cjmoz@umich.edu.

Will the event be canceled due to inclement weather? If so, how will I be notified?
Because the workshop will happen outdoors, it will be subject to cancellation due to inclement weather. In the event of cancellation, registered participants will receive an email notification from UMS the morning of the workshop. There will also be a general public post on UMS’s social media announcing the cancellation.

If there are newly-issued local, state, or federal health orders that prohibit outdoor gatherings, will the workshops be canceled? If so, how will I be notified?
Yes, the workshop will be canceled if there is a newly-issued health order that prohibits outdoor gatherings. In the event of cancellation, registered participants will receive an email notification from UMS after the new order has been issued. There will also be a general public post on UMS’s social media and website announcing the cancellation.

Do I need to have dance training to participate?
You do not need any formal training. UMS encourages broad participation and invites a mix of people of different ages and abilities to participate. Each class will be tailored for the “curious adult mover” rather than the “experienced dancer.” We aim to create a comfortable environment for curious beginners.

What should I wear for the workshop?
You should wear clothing and shoes in which you are comfortable moving. Ground surfaces may not be even, so please wear supportive footwear.

What happened to You Can Dance at YMCA?
UMS strongly values its partnership and collaboration with the YMCA. Unfortunately, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting strong restrictions on indoor gatherings, the YMCA building is temporarily closed to the public, making it impossible for the You Can Dance series to take place at the YMCA.

Artist Website