Choreographies of 21st Century Wars: Oxford Studies in Dance Theory

Dance has long been used as a way to express the human experience, and war is no exception. In the 21st century, dance has been used to both represent and critique war in new and innovative ways.

This book, Choreographies of 21st Century Wars, explores the ways in which dance has been used to represent and critique war in the 21st century. The book is divided into three parts: the first part examines the use of dance to represent war, the second part examines the use of dance to critique war, and the third part examines the use of dance to promote peace.

The Use of Dance to Represent War

Dance has been used to represent war in a variety of ways. Some choreographers have used dance to create realistic depictions of war, while others have used dance to create more abstract representations of war.

For example, the choreographer William Forsythe's piece "In the Middle Somewhat Elevated" (2007) is a realistic depiction of war. The piece features dancers who perform a series of violent and aggressive movements. The dancers are dressed in military uniforms, and the set is designed to look like a battlefield.

In contrast, the choreographer Akram Khan's piece "Desh" (2010) is a more abstract representation of war. The piece features dancers who perform a series of fluid and graceful movements. The dancers are dressed in traditional Indian clothing, and the set is designed to look like a desert.

Both of these pieces use dance to represent war, but they do so in very different ways. Forsythe's piece is a realistic depiction of war, while Khan's piece is a more abstract representation of war.

The Use of Dance to Critique War

Dance has also been used to critique war. Some choreographers have used dance to show the horrors of war, while others have used dance to show the futility of war.

For example, the choreographer Pina Bausch's piece "Café Müller" (1978) is a powerful critique of the horrors of war. The piece features dancers who perform a series of violent and aggressive movements. The dancers are dressed in white, and the set is designed to look like a war-torn city.

In contrast, the choreographer Merce Cunningham's piece "Variations V" (1965) is a more subtle critique of the futility of war. The piece features dancers who perform a series of random and meaningless movements. The dancers are dressed in black, and the set is designed to look like a void.

Both of these pieces use dance to critique war, but they do so in very different ways. Bausch's piece is a powerful critique of the horrors of war, while Cunningham's piece is a more subtle critique of the futility of war.

The Use of Dance to Promote Peace

Dance has also been used to promote peace. Some choreographers have used dance to show the beauty of peace, while others have used dance to show the power of peace.

For example, the choreographer Twyla Tharp's piece "Push Comes to Shove" (1976) is a celebration of the beauty of peace. The piece features dancers who perform a series of fluid and graceful movements. The dancers are dressed in white, and the set is designed to look like a peaceful landscape.

In contrast, the choreographer Martha Graham's piece "Appalachian Spring" (1944) is a more powerful statement about the power of peace. The piece features dancers who perform a series of strong and determined movements. The dancers are dressed in traditional American clothing, and the set is designed to look like a frontier landscape.

Both of these pieces use dance to promote peace, but they do so in very different ways. Tharp's piece is a celebration of the beauty of peace, while Graham's piece is a more powerful statement about the power of peace.

Dance has been used to represent, critique, and promote peace in a variety of ways. This book has explored some of the ways in which dance has been used to address the issue of war in the 21st century.

Dance is a powerful tool that can be used to communicate a wide range of emotions and ideas. It is a valuable tool for understanding the human experience, and it can be a powerful force for change.