Art and the Community: Breaking the Aesthetic of Disempowerment Text Written by Christine Lomas Faculty of Arts, University College Bretton Hall, University of Leeds Presented by Brandice DM Valentino1

Edited by: Dr. Kay Picart and Donna Gallagher Based on a presentation by: Brandice DM Valentino

Discussion Question: According to Lomas, “Our culture’s existing theatrical aesthetic emphasizes FORM and CONTENT as the key to unlocking meaning; what it IGNORES is the social context from which FORM and CONTENT derive their meaning.”

Do you agree or disagree?

The Heuristic Model Illustrates Non-Theatrical Performance Contexts: Illustrates the ways in which an individual interacts with dance making and dance viewing in the non-theatrical performance context, Community Dance.

Express Yourself— Don’t Repress Yourself Nature (authentic) CELEBRATION:                        Human Nature

HUMAN CULTURE (adaptive) CEREMONIAL: RITUAL:

Celebratory Activity:                       

Ceremonial & Ritual Activities:

Values!?!?!? We are all pieces of data that collectively construct our communities. We have to examine and contemplate that which has shaped us.

Political-Economic Emphasis of First-World Monetarist Materialism on Power Who is this ‘I’?…

LABELS: What do they mean? Who do they serve? Where do they come from?

Review Question: Without individual significance how is culture experienced as explained by Lomas?

Dance as mediator in relation to nature and culture                                                      

Discussion Question: Should we teach dance as therapeutic activity?

REVIEW QUESTION: According to Lomas, “What is meant by “threshold people” in relation to community dance?

Discussion Question: What role should the teacher have in community dance?

Discussion Question: Although teaching technique offers a challenge, is it truly a dance challenge?

Discussion Question: What changes might occur if the aesthetic code valued improvisation as much as planned, intentional product?