Dance in Politics explores the surprising and powerful connection between movement and political power, revealing how dance has been used throughout history for propaganda, national identity, and social control. The book argues that dance is not just an aesthetic pursuit but a political activity capable of shaping public opinion, reinforcing social norms, and even inciting or suppressing dissent.
For example, totalitarian regimes have utilized dance to glorify leaders and promote state ideology, illustrating its potential for manipulation.
Beginning with a theoretical framework that examines how movement conveys meaning, the book progresses through historical case studies. It analyzes how indigenous dance forms have been adapted to create unified national identities and investigates dance as a form of protest, such as in the anti-apartheid struggle.
By drawing connections with sociology, anthropology, and communication studies, Dance in Politics provides a nuanced understanding of how dance can bypass rational thought, appealing directly to emotions and fostering collective identity.
