Inhabiting the Impossible: Dance and Experimentation in Puerto Rico

This first-of-its-kind book explores Puerto Rican experimental dance over four decades, featuring essays, artist statements, interviews, and over 100 photos. It offers fresh perspectives on experimentation in dance as a sustained practice that addresses issues of race, gender, sexuality, and politics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

This groundbreaking book is a pioneering exploration of Puerto Rican experimental dance, spanning four decades of artistic innovation. Originally published as Habitar lo Imposible by BL Editorial in San Juan, this captivating translation brings together a wealth of content, including essays, artist statements, interviews, and over 100 stunning photos of productions, programs, posters, and scores. Throughout, Inhabiting the Impossible offers fresh and invaluable insights into the enduring practice of experimentation in dance, which has consistently delved into profound issues of race, gender, sexuality, and politics. Additionally, the book is enriched by a comprehensive bibliographic section, providing valuable resources for further study and exploration.

Introduction:
Inhabiting the Impossible is a groundbreaking work that sheds light on the vibrant and diverse field of Puerto Rican experimental dance. This first-of-its-kind book brings together a remarkable collaboration of writing by artists and scholars, offering a comprehensive survey of the artistic landscape over four decades.

Original Publication:
The book originated as Habitar lo Imposible, published by BL Editorial in San Juan. This original publication marked a significant milestone in the documentation and dissemination of Puerto Rican dance, providing a platform for artists and scholars to share their insights and perspectives.

Translation and Expansion:
The translation of Inhabiting the Impossible has expanded the reach of this important work, making it accessible to a broader audience worldwide. The translation features essays, artist statements, and interviews, providing a deep dive into the creative processes, inspirations, and challenges faced by the artists involved. Additionally, the book includes over 100 photos of productions, programs, posters, and scores, offering a visual glimpse into the rich history and evolution of Puerto Rican experimental dance.

Perspectives on Experimentation:
One of the key themes of Inhabiting the Impossible is the exploration of experimentation in dance as a sustained practice. The book delves into the ways in which dance artists have pushed boundaries, challenged conventions, and explored new artistic territories. Through their work, they have addressed critical issues of race, gender, sexuality, and politics, providing a platform for marginalized voices and fostering dialogue and understanding.

Bibliographic Section:
To enhance the reader's experience, the book includes a detailed bibliographic section that provides resources for further study and exploration. This section includes a comprehensive list of books, articles, and other materials that delve into the history, theory, and practice of dance, as well as specific aspects of Puerto Rican experimental dance. It serves as a valuable guide for students, researchers, and anyone interested in delving deeper into this dynamic field.

Conclusion:
Inhabiting the Impossible is a groundbreaking achievement that showcases the immense talent and creativity of Puerto Rican experimental dance artists. This book provides a valuable contribution to the field of dance studies and offers a rich tapestry of perspectives and insights into the artistic process. By bringing together writing by artists and scholars, Inhabiting the Impossible fosters a deeper understanding of dance as a powerful medium for expression, social commentary, and cultural identity.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472056545