Ethical Agility in Dance: Rethinking Technique in British Contemporary Dance

The edited collection explores the potential of dance training for developing socially engaged individuals capable of forging ethical human relations in an ever-changing world. It argues for a re-assessment of dance training practices and techniques to enable collaboration and application of skills necessary for twenty-first-century dance. The book offers perspectives on contemporary dance training in Britain and addresses key questions about the relationship between individuality and collectivity, rigour and creativity, and virtuosity and inclusivity. It serves as an invaluable resource for academics, practitioners, and students.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited collection delves into the transformative power of dance training in cultivating socially engaged individuals who can foster ethical human connections in a rapidly evolving world. By positioning dance as a fundamental aspect of human experience, the book explores the inclusive potential of dance. Contributions from dance educators, scholars, practitioners, and artists offer diverse perspectives on contemporary dance training in Britain. Through an examination of the politics, values, and ethics of learning dance in the modern era, the book advocates for a re-evaluation of evolving practices in dance training and techniques. Key questions arise regarding how the concept of "technique" and associated systems of training can be redefined to enable collaboration, skill application, and the adaptation of ideas for the twenty-first century. The editors present these ideas through a variety of writing modes, creating a rich tapestry of essays, conversations, and manifestos that invite exploration, debate, and a deeper understanding of the shifting values of contemporary dance.

When examining these values within the applied field of dance, a complex and multifaceted range of ideas emerges. Broad themes such as the interplay between individuality and collectivity, the balance between rigor and creativity, and the distinction between virtuosity and inclusivity are explored. This volume highlights ethical techniques as a means of navigating these contrasting values in dance. It serves as an invaluable resource for academics, practitioners, and students alike, providing insights into the ethical dimensions of dance practice and fostering a deeper appreciation of its role in shaping individuals and society.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367628673