We caught up with the brilliant and insightful ABAgail Dunn a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, ABAgail thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?

As an elementary school teacher, I highly relate to this concept. When you hold a child to a high standard, they will meet it every time. I think it’s important to instill in them the importance of kindness, compassion, and happiness, and finding joy in learning, rather than living to work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My classes and sessions began to fill the need of an environment where Black women felt comfortable, as we aren’t always made to feel that way. We are body shamed regularly and experience so much stress in the workplace that I wanted to make joy and dance a regular part of our self-care routine, which is how my company came about.

I feel absolutely free and full of joy dancing and I wanted others to experience that joy with me.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Yes! I have just recently read the book “Rest is Resistance” by Tricia Hersey and it has given me a new lease on life. It has assisted me in seeing the importance of rest and creating community. This book encouraged me to get more rest for the sake of resting.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the philosophy that I had to accept everyone as a client. I found myself changing my schedule and offering classes that people said they’d love to attend only to be disappointed. I returned to the joy that I found early on in my business and things have never been better.

Contact Info:

• Website: motherlandjams.com; theblackbookspace.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/motherlandjamsbellydance?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@motherlandjamsbellydanceof6598