Episode 46: ¿Quieres bailar conmigo? Exploring Cultural Practices, Identity, and Roles in World Language Classrooms with Abelardo Almazán-Vázquez

Join me for an exciting new episode of Growing With Proficiency The Podcast that will make you want to dance – not just on the dance floor, but in your mind too! 

Have you ever pondered over the question,  “¿Quieres bailar conmigo?” "Do you want to dance with me?" It's more than a simple inquiry; it's a gateway to a world of emotions, experiences, and traditional roles on the dance floor. Tune in as my good friend and colleague, Abelardo Almazán-Vázquez, joins me to talk about this simple question and how in his classes this question has become a springboard to create vulnerable and powerful conversations around gender, consent, respect, and with the magic of comprehensible input, establish a safe and affirming space for everyone. 

Think about it – the times you've asked or been asked this question – the nervous excitement that may have accompanied it. But wait, don't just think about dancing; let's extend that reflection to the perspective and traditions behind this common practice. Who asked the question? Who is been asked? Why?

As you can see, our conversation isn't just about dancing; it's a journey that touches upon themes of consent, identity, roles,  and inclusion. Abelardo's voice resonates with tolerance, compassion, and a thoughtful approach to push our conversations inside our classes beyond the obvious practice.  

Let's explore how these seemingly simple conversations about dance can open doors to meaningful discussions in our classrooms and reflect and question some of our own practices.  Are you ready? Join us by simply clicking the link below to play the episode. Get ready to dance through ideas and insights, and as always, happy listening!

Meet Abelardo Almazán-Vázquez, an experienced educator with over 12 years of teaching Spanish, coaching an all-gender soccer team, and sharing his Latin dance expertise at The Putney School. Abelardo's journey includes a Licenciatura in Teaching Spanish as a Second Language from Universidad Internacional UNINTER in Morelos México, and a Master's in Latin American Studies from Cleveland State University. As a 19-year immigrant, Abelardo proudly represents the vibrant "City of the Eternal Spring," Cuernavaca México. His remarkable contributions have earned him invitations to present at renowned WL conferences, including the distinguished MaFLA2018's "Best of Massachusetts." Abelardo is a co-founder of the influential MCTLC 2020 "BIPOC/Immigrant world language educators strand" and a sought-after speaker at NECTFL2021, where his caring presence and insights left a lasting impact. His testimonies and experiences have also led him to serve as the keynote speaker at the Greater Washington Association of Teachers of Foreign Language 2021 Spring Conference, the recent 2023 Vermont Foreign Language Association Spring Conference, and most recently, the Keynote Speaker for the Western Massachusetts Seal of Biliteracy Awards Ceremony 2023.

Connect with Abelardo Almazán-Vázquez https://linktr.ee/abelardoalmazanv

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