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A LOOK AT DANCE FROM WITHIN AND FROM WITHOUT

Contemporary approaches to dancistic manifestations

International Meeting
Organized by:
DANZATEÓRICA
El Programa de Fomento a Proyectos y Coinversiones Culturales
(Funding Program for Projects and Joint-ventures in culture)
FONCA
and
El Centro de Investigaciones Interdisciplinarias en Ciencias y Humanidades
(The Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Science and Humanities)
UNAM

México City
September 12, 13 and 14, 2007

DANZATEORICA; National Funding for Culture and Arts, and the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies and Research are calling dancers, choreographers, dance-critics and researchers to participate in the international Meeting: A look at Dance from within and from without: Contemporary approaches to dancistic manifestations, which will be held on September 12th through 14th,in Mexico City at the Center for Interdisciplinary Research at UNAM (National Autonomous University of Mexico).

Motivated by the existing relation between Dance as an artistic practice and as a field of study for several disciplines, we felt the need to open up a space for meeting and dialog in regards to the current state of methodologies which are used for research and creation in the field of Dance.  Nowadays, there are several approaches for studying dance—historically, anthropologically, sociologically, philosophically, aesthetically, medically, psychologically, etc. There are, also, several possibilities for the practice of Dance. The purpose of this first International Meeting is to delve into the many approaches which respond to problems that are related to the practice and study of Dance.

The Meeting is built on the premise that our motivations for thinking about Dance can be thought of as either focusing on the within or the without: Aesthetic Theory and Cultural Studies. The vantage point of Aesthetic studies stands on the existing relation between choreographic composition and the audience. In other words, it is based on what we call an «aesthetic experience». With this approach, Dance is understood as a symbolic system for which expression lies in choreography. Consequently, it's analysis is parametrized by the representation of Dance, namely, the analysis stands on what makes us look within that which takes place on stage. On the other hand, approaching Dance research from the vantage point of Cultural Studies, it becomes a socio-cultural phenomenon; thus, opening up the possibility of analyzing the context of its inception. Dancers and choreographers are seen as social agents who actively participate in furthering a given culture’s artistic knowledge. This type of analysis focuses on the social exchanges that are produced by Dance. In other words, it is an approach that looks from without that which happens on stage and serves as a tool for knowing the social environment in which Dance takes place.

The Meeting will have plenary sessions which will motivate debate in regards to the many addressed issues. These sessions will be followed by Work Group, lectures presented by the remaining participants. Workshops will also be held, which seek to open up a space for getting involved with choreographers' and dancers' many forms of creative work. Finally, several dance companies will present their coreographic proposals.

 

The Meeting's organization is open to topic proposals, as long as they are related to the Meeting. These are some of the topics which can be addressed by participants:

Within:

  • Dancistic techniques, or ways of imposing discipline on the body
  • Techniques outside of technique: alternatives for bodily exploration
  • The use of resources from other scenic arts and of new technologies in choreographic creation
  • The body in Dance: metamorphosis, uses and corporeal variations
  • Abstraction and narration: ways of building dancistic discourse
  • Dance and the senses: from the dancers’ and from the audience’s perspective

Without:

  • Dance as a generator of social meaning: creator of identity
  • Dances Meeting dances: intercultural practices.
  • Dance as a restoration/transformation agent of social and personal bonds.
  • The right to dance: Dance as a form of protest.
  • Dance and memory: the record problem in Dance.
  • Institutionalization of Dance vs. independent dancistic creation.

There will be two presentation modes:

  • Written sessions (papers sessions)
  • Practical sessions (workshops, performances, video, etc.)

Spanish and English are the Meeting's official languages. It is also possible to submit sessions in French.

 

PROPOSALS SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES

Submissions will be appraised according to the criteria established by this call. For applications to be considered, follow the submission instructions:

1) Fill out the online application form

  • application form (will be available by February 15th)

2) Send to danzateorica@gmail.com, the following materials:

  • An abstract of the paper you want to present (one page)
  • CV or bio (less than one page)

Application deadline: April 30th, 2007

GENERAL SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES

You don't have to propose a project in order to participate in the Encuentro. If you would like to attend you can do it as a General Participant. As General Participan you can attend all Encuentro events and can join the Work Group of your choice.

1) Fill out the online application form

  • application form (will be available by February 15th)

If you want a PARTICIPATION CERTIFICATE the fee will be 20 dlls. It will be payed the first day of the Encuentro. Please remember to select that option on your on line registration form.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to write us at danzateorica@gmail.com