Dance as activism for me is more than an expressive art form; it is a transformative practice that channels embodied knowledge into actions of justice, compassion, and social change. Sherry Shapiro’s exploration of “dance as aesthetic activism” resonates deeply with my own understanding. Dance has the ability to make the familiar strange, allowing us to question societal norms and envision a world rooted in equality and human dignity. It is through the body—an archive of personal and cultural memory—that we confront oppression, celebrate resilience, and shape possibilities for liberation. This embodiment transforms dance into a radical act of resistance, where movement becomes both an assertion of identity and a call for societal change.
The intersection of dance activism with cultural and dance diplomacy lies in its capacity to transcend borders, languages, and ideologies, creating shared experiences that foster mutual understanding. In my work, I have witnessed how dance serves as a bridge between cultures, highlighting our shared humanity while honoring our unique differences. This is cultural diplomacy in its purest form—a way of healing divisions, fostering dialogue, and building relationships between nations. Dance diplomacy, then, is the extension of this idea into formal international engagements, where the cultural narratives embedded in movement become tools for peacebuilding and cross-cultural collaboration.
Moreover, dance as activism and diplomacy challenges us to rethink how we educate and engage with one another. It embodies the moral and political connections Shapiro describes, emphasizing the “why” over the “how.” For me, it is about more than choreography or performance; it is about creating spaces where diverse voices are uplifted and narratives of resistance are celebrated. It is about using the power of movement to address global issues—from inequality to displacement—and advocating for a world where every individual’s story can be told, embodied, and honored through the universal language of dance.
