Dance is an under-recognized political tool despite the use of performance to project national identity and soft power on the global stage. It also offers strategies for choreographing state initiatives and protest. This course investigates dance as both a state and a resistant practice of mobilization and identity construction. Forms studied include hula, Soviet ballet, modern dance during WWII and the Cold War, and others. Activities include readings, discussions, performance exercises, and viewings of performances. Guest artists will conduct studio sessions in a number of the dance logics. No prior dance experience is necessary.
