THE POLITICS OF DANCING

The meaning of movement is both cultural and personal. Where we come from and what we believe will explain much of how we react to human bodies moving.

                                                                                                                   photo - Nicole Rivelli

Here are some questions to consider how we look at, participate in, and interpret movement from a culturally biased perspective.

            Where did it come from? 
            What part of the world and what social group of people?   
            Who participates in it?

            Who is empowered by it?

            Who is disempowered or threatened by it?

            Does it emphasize fluidity or rigidity?

            Is it inclusive or exclusive?

            How do we perceive the participants?

            Is it from a marginalized community? Like strippers, POCs, or immigrants?

            What are the benefits?

            Does this movement build community?

            Have perceived health benefits?

            Does it feel good or make us feel uncomfortable(to do or to watch)?

            How do we look at it? Where are we seeing it? On stage? In the streets? In a                          studio? At a half-time show?

            What stories does it tell?

             What are our judgments based on?

Answer the above questions for some of these dance styles and you will learn a lot about yourself and the world we live in…

            Salsa

            Belly dancing

            Pole dance

            Hip Hop

            Capoeira

            Tap

            Jazz

            Modern

            Post Modern

            Ballet

            Swing Dance

            Hustle

            Contemporary

            Lyrical