Inter-Asia in Motion: Dance as Method

This book explores dance and choreography as sites for the articulation of new theoretical and historical paradigms in inter-Asia cultural studies. It covers a wide range of dance works, artists, genres, and media, from Kathak to K-pop flash mob dance, from Cold War diplomacy to avant-garde dance collaborations, and from festival dance to dance on screen. It demonstrates how dances in Asia make one another as their key aesthetic references beyond Eurocentric influences, and how inter-Asia relations emerge from cultural, geographical, and aesthetic diversity within the region.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the realm of dance and choreography as vibrant platforms for the exploration of novel theoretical and historical paradigms in the field of inter-Asia cultural studies. Spanning a diverse range of dance works, artists, genres, and media, from the captivating Kathak to the electrifying K-pop flash mob dance, from the intricate tapestry of Cold War diplomacy to avant-garde dance collaborations, and from the vibrant festival dance to the captivating dance on screen, this volume offers a comprehensive examination of the rich tapestry of dance in Asia.

By challenging the Western-centric notion of "Asian dance" and Western-centric theorizations of intercultural performance that often prioritize "East-West" relationships, each contribution in this book showcases how dances in Asia forge profound connections with one another, transcending the influence of Eurocentric norms. Moreover, it illuminates how inter-Asia relations emerge from the rich cultural, geographical, and aesthetic diversity within the region, creating a tapestry of interconnectedness and exchange.

As the first of its kind in both cultural studies and dance studies, Inter-Asia in Motion: Dance as Method promises to make a significant impact on the understanding of how performance shapes and transforms the cultural and political dynamics of inter-Asia, with a particular focus on the dance circulations that traverse East, South, and Southeast Asia. This book will serve as a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students alike, enriching their knowledge and insights into the world of dance and its profound impact on the region.

The chapters included in this book were originally published in Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the study of inter-Asia relations and cultural exchange. The journal has been a forefront in promoting interdisciplinary research and dialogue, and this book is a testament to the continued commitment of its contributors to exploring the rich tapestry of inter-Asia cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Inter-Asia in Motion: Dance as Method is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on dance and choreography as sites for the articulation of new theoretical and historical paradigms in inter-Asia cultural studies. By showcasing the diverse range of dance works, artists, genres, and media in Asia, this book provides a comprehensive examination of the cultural and political dynamics that shape dance in the region. It will be a valuable resource for academics, researchers, and advanced students of Dance Studies, Performance Studies, Cultural Studies, Asian Studies, International Relations and Politics, History, and Sociology, contributing to our understanding of the complex and dynamic world of inter-Asia.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032561585