Wednesday, February 5, 2020

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

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