Advocacy & Social JusticeTheater, Music & Performing Arts

DANC 379 – Dance as Activism

How does art effect change? Why does the phrase “social movements,” include the action word – movement? In what ways does dance instigate action as a means of resistance? This course is an investigation into these questions through both lecture/discussion and embodied practices. It will look at various choreographers whose work is rooted in grappling social justice issues, choreographic and community engagement tools, as well as protests as choreographed performance art. All course work and inquiry will lead up to a final project wherein students create their own choreographic sketch/community engagement using the language of dance/performance art, as the foundation for addressing a particular historical or present social issue of their choice.

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