Body diversity in contemporary dance: a retrospective approach at the twentieth century

Abstract

Contemporary dance is a space that questions the hegemonic representations of the body and the role that society assigns to the difference. For its part, the dance theory considers the avant garde proposals of the twentieth century as an important substrate for the critical dance in nowadays. We propose, in this regard, an analyses of the most significant breaks that the stage dance produces during the twentieth century. To do this, we identify the different escape line that emerged over time, both in modern and postmodern dance. In this process, we note as a starting point the discussion about the ideal scenic body and their limits and possibilities; moreover, we show how arise creative responses that affect body image, his relationship with objects and technology as well as the specific relationship between the bodies. We find that many of the proposals and concerns of these periods remain in force, in particular those aimed at democratizing dance, in an ongoing process of aesthetic and educational assimilation, which operate as a utopia.