This can be regarded as far more a scholarly university text book, although of great interest to general readers. Densely , technically written DANCE ACTIVISM  by Dana Mills  is divided into seven sections with a preface and acknowledgements , a great index and assorted illustrations .It is a fascinating analysis of how dance in various ways can be considered radical and seeks to change things.

The first chapter includes a consideration of Eleanor Marx’s theories and Edward Said’s postcolonial theories in other chapters .Via quoted You Tube links , readers are given examples of how dance can evoke an almost innate reaction , dance as a means of communication and how it can create consensus (eg protest flash mob ) , using the human body for social comment.

Mills concentrates on America but also analyses various movements/styles around the world. – from Iraq to New York, France, Argentina , South Africa , Lebanon , Palestine , Egypt …. Australia does get a mention but only briefly and there is no mention of Gertrud Bodenweiser , Mary Wigman or ,say , Sydney Dance Company or Bangarra .

DANCE ACTIVISM is curated into chapters about a particular topic, but Mills interweaves artists, locations, linked timeframes and various themes. Assorted subjects include homophobia , surviving as a refugee , racism , dislocation , the oppression of women and the brutality of war. Mention is made of for example Final Bow for Yellowface , begun in New York , aiming to change our perception of Asian stereotypes in traditional versions of The Nutcracker for example .( There are also problems with say The Mikado and Turandot , Miss Saigon and Madama Butterfly  – here in Australia there was a great storm inabout Opera Australia’s version of Turandot earlier this year ) .

Depending on where you are and the government a simple line dance can be dangerous to perform as the governing regime has banned all dance. Mills also looks at the 2009 Egyptian Ballerinas of Cairo, asking us to consider how women’s bodies are regarded in public areas .

Central to the book is the work of Martha Graham and how she was (and can still be) regarded as radical .Various interviews with people who have danced with the company and are involved with the school analyze some of her works are included .The book also examines the preservation of Graham’s legacy and how have performances changed over the years ? As well, it shows how Graham’s works inspired other choreographers.

Mills examines how moving bodies can be the impetus for revolution, a form of political action. One section investigates how ballet can be radical. Modern dance trailblazers such as Graham and Pearl Primus are mentioned and we are taken through to rap and hip-hop .

Up-and coming artists are also mentioned – for example Hussein Smoko, a breakdance and contemporary ( yes he blends both styles ) form Kurdistan , who now lives in New York and works with Battery Dance .

In her book Mills blends both theory and practice and uses case studies for philosophical scrutiny.

A most intriguing, erudite book .

https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/dance-and-activism-9781350137035/