Ann Hunt – Colorado Dance Education Organization (CoDEO)

In this episode of Dance Med Spotlight, host Dr. Alyssa Arms, PT, DPT, OCS, turns the focus to the Colorado Dance Education Organization (CoDEO). CoDEO President Ann Hunt joins the conversation to share how the organization supports dance educators, students, and programs across the state.

CoDEO is a statewide nonprofit that focuses on advocacy, community-building, and accessible dance education. During the episode, Ann explains how CoDEO serves public schools, private studios, higher education programs, and community organizations. She also introduces the annual CoDEO conference, which brings dancers and educators together in a collaborative, non-competitive environment.

Listeners will learn how CoDEO promotes high-quality dance education through teacher training, health and wellness sessions, scholarships, and statewide initiatives. As a result, the episode offers a clear look at how CoDEO strengthens the Colorado dance community.

Key Topics & Highlights

1. What CoDEO Does

Ann introduces CoDEO and describes its connection to the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO). She explains how CoDEO works to elevate dance education throughout Colorado.

2. Inside the Annual Conference

The episode breaks down the purpose and structure of the annual conference. Ann shares what attendees can expect, including movement classes, teacher workshops, and networking opportunities.

3. Health, Wellness & Adaptive Dance

In addition, CoDEO includes health, wellness, and adaptive dance sessions in its programming. These offerings give educators tools to support dancers with a wide range of needs.

4. A Non-Competitive Learning Space

The conference is intentionally non-competitive. Because of this, dancers can focus on learning, creativity, and connection rather than scores or rankings.