Looking at the political relevance of dance performance through an analysis of dance censorship

Abstract

This dissertation offers an analysis of the cultural phenomenon of dance censorship from a sociological perspective, considering notions of the “new censorship scholarship”, as identified by scholars Helen Freshwater, Richard Burt, and Nicole Moore, among others. Chapter 1 is a theoretical framework, in which definitions of censorship and related terms are determined. Here the concepts of the new censorship scholarship are traced back to their origins in the theories developed by sociologists Pierre Bourdieu and Michele Foucault. These theories will assist in the analysis by providing understandings of political power, biopolitics and cultural capital. Chapter 2 is a case study on dance censorship during the military dictatorship in Argentina that took place from 1976 to 1983. This case study analyses the work and experiences of multiple dance practitioners that were active during the period of the dictatorship, including Margarita Bali, Ana Maria Stekelman, Ana Itelman, among others. The reflection in Chapter 3 seeks to reflect further on the case study and expand understanding of why analysing historical cases of dance censorship is relevant for the present and future of dance studies. The discussion in this final chapter will consider a more recent cases of dance censorship that present similarities with those considered in chapter 2. Ultimately, by discussing dance censorship, this dissertation seeks to demonstrate the political relevance of dance performances.