Det handlar om dans
”Det handlar om dans” is a qualitative study on inclusive dance, based on the EU project Moving Beyond Inclusion. (Full title: ”Det handlar om dans men i grund och botten handlar det om mänskliga rättigheter.” “It’s about dance but fundamentally it’s about human rights.”)
“The norms of physical and mental ability are built on ideas about how a body is supposed to look and function. These norms are expressed in a variety of ways, and analysis shows that the way they manifest themselves in a dance context, can´t be separated from how they manifest themselves in society as a whole. The analysis shows that project participants relate to different bodies with an openness and curiosity. This approach, that difference is important, contradicts the norms of physical and mental ability that are built on the hierarchic dichotomy of abled/disabled.
Analysis has also shown us that dance as performance art and practice ties into issues regarding inclusion/exclusion and human rights. What this paper, just like previous research, shows us, is that dance that includes bodies with different abilities can illuminate alternative movement communication. The presentation of inclusive dance practices, where diversity is celebrated as a basis for artistic progress, shows how dance can pave the way towards an inclusive society. Dance is a powerful norm-questioning tool, able to make visible those things that can be possible. The potential for change this creates, stretches far beyond the dance scene.” – Emelie Ericsson, April 2017
This paper was produced during Autumn 2016 and is Emelie Ericsson’s Bachelor thesis in Global Studies at The University of Gothenburg ‘s School of Global Studies.
You can download the paper here (in Swedish only).
Information
This paper is Emelie Ericsson’s Bachelor thesis in Global Studies at The University of Gothenburg ‘s School of Global Studies, produced during the Autumn term 2016. Using the EU project Moving Beyond Inclusion as its starting point, the paper explores the norm critical potential inherent in dance.
You can download the paper here (in Swedish only).