The Africanist Aesthetic in Movement Observation

The Africanist Aesthetic in movement observation is developing research exploring movement observation from a culturally responsive and culturally affirming lens as it relates to self and another in therapeutic settings. This presentation will explore embodied resilience from a strengths based lens utilizing the Africanist Aesthetic as a tool for movement observation. Participants will explore movements of the African diaspora through the lens of the Africanist Elements as defined by the work Dr. Brenda Dixon Gottchild, for an embodied understanding of diverse perspectives. Reflective in the African tradition of story telling, combined with contemporary narrative dance/movement therapy, this workshop will examine movement frameworks through social location to minimize the challenges of introducing predominately Eurocentric theoretical frameworks and movement observation.