Writing at the dynamic intersection of dance and performance studies.

Of the Presence of the Body gathers nine original essays by eminent scholars in the fields of dance and performance studies. Its focus is the historical, cultural and political contexts that inform choreographic and dance practices and critical readings of dance—in other words, how dance operates as critical discourse. The question that runs throughout the essays is the theoretical and political problem of “how dances come to be seen,” how the presence of the body leaves its mark on critical theories and performances.

Focusing exclusively on 20th century dance, the interdisciplinary perspectives range from history to race studies, deconstruction, Marxist theory, feminist theory, literary studies and feminist ethnography. The anthology provides an overview of the current methodologies and theoretical developments in the field of dance studies. These essays expand our understanding of the performing body, and their organization around the epistemological problem in dance studies—the dynamics of seeing, remembering and writing—will make the collection useful for classes in dance criticism and theory, cultural theory, performance studies, and aesthetics.

CONTRIBUTORS: Barbara Browning, Ramsey Burt, Thomas De Frantz, Mark Franko, André Lepecki, Karmen MacKendrick, Susan Manning, Randy Martin, Peggy Phelan.

Endorsements:

“Of the Presence of the Body offers contributions to the fields of dance and performance studies that range from truly extraordinary and intellectually powerful to merely effective and articulate. Seldom are so many strong voices gathered in one place.” —Amy Koritz, Associate Professor English, Tulane University

“This exciting collection of essays, brought together by one of the best critical thinkers on contemporary performance practice, not only provides a lucid and timely insight into the complex relations between presence, embodiment and performance, but also recognizes the field of dance and choreography as a dynamic focus for critical thought that can challenge current cultural, social and political assumptions.”—Ric Allsopp, Joint Editor Performance Research; Dartington College of Arts, UK

Click here for TABLE OF CONTENTS

Single Authored Books:
Exhausting Dance: Performance and the Politics of Movement. London and New York:
Routledge, 2006.

Edited Books:
The Senses in Performance. Co-edited with Sally Banes. London and New York: Routledge, 
(Forthcoming 2006).

Of the Presence of the Body: Essays on Dance and Performance Theory. Middletown: 
Wesleyan University Press, 2004. 

Intensification: Contemporary Portuguese Performance (Theaterschrift, EXTRA). Lisbon: Livros 
Cotovia, 1998.