Choreography is usually known in the context of dance. However, in the political and social sphere it can serve as an expanded concept to both structure and analyse dynamics in social movements. For example, it can facilitate activism online and on site when physical assembly is restricted, as in the recent pandemic. Also, aspects of choreography can help to identify emerging power relations such as in conflicting areas between protesters and state authorities. Here, the double mode of choreography is key: arranging and commanding movement at the same time (an/ordnen).
In the lecture, Susanne Foellmer will delve into examples from protests related to Covid-19 as well as the Black Lives Matter movement.
Susanne Foellmer is Professor in Dance Studies at the Centre for Dance Research (C-DaRE), Coventry University, UK. Research areas embrace corporeality, mediality and politicality of dance in present times and in the Weimar Era. Her work has been recognized by the Tiburtius Prize of the Berlin Universities and awarded by Tanzplan Deutschland. She also has been working as a dramaturge, a.o. for Meg Stuart and Jeremy Wade. Acting as founding member of the Dachverband Tanz Deutschland, she is currently board member of Coventry Dance NGO, and advisory board member for the conception of a House for Dance and Choreography in Berlin. She is a Senior Fellow at the Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg in the academic year 2022/23.
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Moderation: Dr. habil. Heide Volkening