Dance as an agency of change in an age of totalitarianism

This article identifies two different paths where the amnesia described by Hannah- Arendt and fragmentation identified Willie James Jennings of our historical past has distorted how people today view dan-cing. I set out Christian entanglement with colonial powers impacted on people’s abilities to relate their bodies, lands other creatures world. describe wound Western society forms basis loneliness alienation that totalitarianism inculcates. After this, examine who seek find a solid tradition dance within traditions Christianity often end up in conundrum when they legitimize existence wrong places. show seeking roots for practices Jewish customs is entangled supersessionist understandings. These arguments are constructed means both J. Kameron- Carter’s writings race theology black political outlined Vincent W. Lloyd. The second-most-often chosen option creating romanticize non-Western ‘other’. Using Lindsey Drury’s work, argue dancers have perpetuated interests possess ‘other’ bringing exotic marketplace. Finally, third – more commonly found amongst those critical transformational Hellenistic esoteric teachings flourishing early twentieth century. We run into forgotten or neglected stories renowned teachers like Rudolf Laban Isadora Duncan this path. By combining bodily practices, Mother Earth ‘spirituality’ superior views about race, not only promoted but laid foundation were manipulated Third Reich. sharing ethnographic resistance towards these patterns affected viewed today. Those exhibiting such always consciously aware described. However, engagement contemplative healing seems be forging new better ways create community live connected way creation creatureliness (Hellsten 2021a). central theme resist illusion perfection control while helping listen discern Holy Spirit leading them living.