Spring 2019

Critical Moves: Performance, Politics and Activist Bodies 

Listed in: Theater and Dance, as THDA-235

Faculty

Dasha Chapman (Section 01)

Description

Athletes taking a knee, bodies marching in the street, dance movements that go viral… How can Dance Studies and Performance Studies help us understand the urgency of movement in our current moment? At the same time, how does dance challenge normative conceptualizations of history and politics? Exploring embodied politics in global perspective, this course works from the framework of “Critical Moves” proposed by late dance theorist Randy Martin: “Critical moves. Steps we must take. Movement that informs critical consciousness.” The interrelationship between theory and practice are emphasized through reading, writing, movement exercises and creative workshops. Students will be expected to regularly read, write, create and move; view and discuss performances; pursue a final research project through embodied, visual, and text-based methods; and work on a collective performance intervention that will take place on campus toward the end of the semester. No dance or performance experience necessary; students should bring an openness to engage with embodied practice and a bodily perspective.

Spring semester. Five College Visitor Chapman.

THDA 235 - L/D

Section 01
Tu 01:00 PM - 02:20 PM WEBS 117
Th 01:00 PM - 02:20 PM WEBS 117

Offerings

2024-25: Not offered
Other years: Offered in Spring 2019