Judith Lynne Hanna facts for kids

Judith Lynne Hanna was born in 1936 and is an American anthropologist, scholar, and author. She is a researcher and teacher in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Maryland, College Park. Her work explores how dance connects with society in African villages and in places where people gather in America, like schools and performance halls. She has also studied cities in Africa, how cities grow, and young people who might be facing challenges. Judith Lynne Hanna is also the grandmother of the famous YouTuber Merrick Hanna.

Learning and Working Life

Early Studies and Research

Judith Lynne Hanna earned her highest degree, a Ph.D. in anthropology, from Columbia University in 1976. Before that, she received a master's degree in political science from Michigan State University. She also earned a bachelor's degree in political science from UCLA.

In 1963, she traveled to Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda for her research. She went with her husband, William John Hanna. This trip was supported by a grant from Michigan State University and the Ford Foundation. Their research led to her book, To Dance is Human, which was published in 1979.

Teaching and Dance Research

Before her university career, Hanna worked as a teacher. She had a California Teaching Credential. She taught social studies and English in Los Angeles City Schools.

Hanna has studied many different kinds of dance. Her research took her to villages and cities in Africa. She also explored dance in American theaters and playgrounds. She even looked at dance in adult performance venues in the United States.

Expert Work and Collections

Since 1995, Hanna has shared her knowledge in over 150 court cases. These cases often involved different forms of dance. News organizations like The Colbert Report and Bloomberg News have asked for her opinions on dance. The Michelle Smith Library for the Performing Arts at the University of Maryland keeps a collection of her work. This collection includes many of her writings and research materials.

In 2018, Hanna took part in her first music video. She appeared with the rock band called Egg Drop Soup.

Books and Writings

Judith Lynne Hanna has written several important books and articles. Her publications often explore the connections between dance, culture, and human behavior.

• Dancing to Learn: The Brain's Cognition, Emotion, and Movement (Rowman and Littlefield, 2015)
• To Dance Is Human: A Theory of Nonverbal Communication (University of Chicago Press)
• The Performer-Audience Connection: Emotion to Metaphor in Dance and Society (University of Texas Press)
• Dancing for Health: Conquering and Preventing Stress (AltaMira Press)
• Disruptive School Behavior: Class, Race, and Culture (Holmes & Meier)