Global Contemporary Dance

In this seminar we will ask what dancing “locally” signifies in a global world and what coheres – across multiple dance practices, performances and intercultural collaborations – in the category of “contemporary dance.” Through ethnographic research and expository and embodied activities we will explore dance as a complex site of cultural negotiation and contestation, challenging binaries between Western and non-Western movement traditions. With a focus on Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, we will trace how dance flows transnationally across varied political economies; contributes to the formation of ethnic, racial, gendered, national and (post) colonial identities; and complicates notions of cultural “authenticity.” (No previous dance experience required)

3 hrs. lect/disc.