Dance as an Agent of Social Change: Embodying the Affective and Kinesthetic Feelings that Make Us Huma

The point of departure for this research is the relatively new call for the inclusion of affect and sentimentality in our studies and practice of human rights. Examining the role of dance to address issues of human rights is crucial in a world whose many social problems physically manifest themselves in, on, and across human bodies. Due to the diverse nature of dance, there are many possible avenues through which to approach a study of dance. Traditionally, studies of dance have been undertaken to explain certain cultures and cultural patterns which limits their applicability in addressing global processes and social change. If we are to seriously apply a sentimental, pragmatic, and affective approach to empowering individuals and communities, then we must recognize that generating change hinges upon the profound importance of the human body in generating and sustaining affective responses and empathetic communication amongst people. As such, I have situated my research within an anthropological lens that approaches dance as an important part of the complex social system we inhabit. Recognizing the immense potential of the theories and methods developed thus far in dance anthropology, my work integrates these concepts---such as embodiment and kinesthesia---into a "social justice model" that can be used to create pragmatic and sustainable solutions to problems facing communities around the world. This research project is grounded in embodied personal experiences, both my own and those of my participants, with community-based dance programs in the US, Panama, and Ghana. Drawing from these case studies, I argue that dance is a mechanism through which we can develop affective feelings and sentiments that empower collective groups of individuals to compassionately work together to spark positive social change.