This book explores dance technique as a technology of social justice, combining dance studies, religious studies, and technology studies to argue that dance can bring equanimity, liberation, and resistance. It focuses on Odissi and Ananya Dance Theatre (ADT) in Minnesota, using motion capture technology, VR gaming, and Arduino.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 30 April 2024
Publisher: McFarland & Co Inc

Dance technique is explored in this book as the Greek techne, which translates to art, and how movement can spark epistemic, philosophical, and cultural discussions in technology studies. By integrating dance studies, religious studies, and technology studies, the book contends that dance can be a tool for social justice, promoting equanimity, liberation, and resistance. It centers on the eastern Indian art form of Odissi and employs experimental techniques such as motion capture technology, virtual reality (VR) gaming, and Arduino. Specifically, it delves into the work of Ananya Dance Theatre (ADT), a contemporary Indian dance company based in Minnesota, which engages in the deconstruction of Odissi to promote social justice activism.

Dance Technique as the Greek Techne: Exploring Epistemic, Philosophical, and Cultural Conversations in Technology Studies

This book offers a unique perspective on dance technique by drawing parallels with the Greek concept of techne, which is often translated as art. It argues that movement can be a powerful tool for inspiring epistemic, philosophical, and cultural conversations in technology studies. By combining dance studies, religious studies, and technology studies, the book explores how dance can be a technology of social justice, bringing equanimity, liberation, and resistance to various contexts. The focus of the book is on the eastern Indian art form of Odissi and its application of experimental techniques such as motion capture technology, virtual reality (VR) gaming, and Arduino. In particular, it examines the work of Ananya Dance Theatre (ADT), a contemporary Indian dance company based in Minnesota, which deconstructs Odissi to promote social justice activism.

Combining Dance Studies, Religious Studies, and Technology Studies

The book combines dance studies, religious studies, and technology studies to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of dance in technology studies. Dance studies provide insights into the artistic and cultural aspects of dance, while religious studies offer perspectives on the spiritual and ethical dimensions of dance. Technology studies, on the other hand, provide a framework for understanding the technological aspects of dance, including motion capture technology, virtual reality (VR) gaming, and Arduino. By combining these disciplines, the book aims to bridge the gap between the arts, religion, and technology, and to explore how dance can be used as a tool for social justice.

Dance as a Technology of Social Justice

The book argues that dance can be a technology of social justice, promoting equanimity, liberation, and resistance. It suggests that dance can be used to challenge dominant narratives, promote diversity, and create a sense of belonging. By engaging with dance, individuals can develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them, and can work towards creating a more just and equitable society. The book specifically focuses on the eastern Indian art form of Odissi and its application of experimental techniques such as motion capture technology, virtual reality (VR) gaming, and Arduino. In particular, it examines the work of Ananya Dance Theatre (ADT), a contemporary Indian dance company based in Minnesota, which deconstructs Odissi to promote social justice activism.

Eastern Indian Art Form of Odissi

Odissi is an eastern Indian art form that originated in the state of Odisha. It is characterized by its graceful and expressive movements, which are often performed to the accompaniment of music. Odissi has a rich history and has been influenced by various cultural and religious traditions. The book explores the various aspects of Odissi, including its history, philosophy, and performance practices. It also examines the ways in which Odissi can be used as a technology of social justice, promoting equanimity, liberation, and resistance.

Experimental Techniques in Odissi

The book employs experimental techniques in Odissi to explore its potential as a technology of social justice. Motion capture technology is used to capture the movements of dancers and to create digital representations of their movements. Virtual reality (VR) gaming is used to create immersive and interactive experiences that allow individuals to explore Odissi in a new and innovative way. Arduino is used to create interactive installations that allow individuals to interact with Odissi in a physical and tactile way.

Ananya Dance Theatre (ADT)

Ananya Dance Theatre (ADT) is a contemporary Indian dance company based in Minnesota. It was founded by Ananya Chatterjee, a renowned Indian dancer and choreographer. ADT deconstructs Odissi to promote social justice activism. The company uses Odissi as a means to challenge dominant narratives, promote diversity, and create a sense of belonging. It has performed at various venues in the United States and has received critical acclaim for its innovative and thought-provoking performances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this book offers a unique perspective on dance technique by drawing parallels with the Greek concept of techne, which is often translated as art. It argues that movement can be a powerful tool for inspiring epistemic, philosophical, and cultural conversations in technology studies. By combining dance studies, religious studies, and technology studies, the book explores how dance can be a technology of social justice, bringing equanimity, liberation, and resistance to various contexts. The focus of the book is on the eastern Indian art form of Odissi and its application of experimental techniques such as motion capture technology, virtual reality (VR) gaming, and Arduino. In particular, it examines the work of Ananya Dance Theatre (ADT), a contemporary Indian dance company based in Minnesota, which deconstructs Odissi to promote social justice activism.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781476676142