Dialogue Moves: Embodying Diversity through Amerta Movement in Indonesia (2022 – 2023)
Suprapto Suryodarmo is an internationally recognised figure in the field of dance and somatic practices who worked with diversity in arts at his organisation Lemah Putih in Java; and this research examines the legacy of his work in movement as a form of dialogue. In particular, the role of embodiment was analysed, not just in relation to the physical appearance of the body, but rather how it is felt and experienced, to understand ‘how people know the world through their bodies, particularly through movement in space’ (Wilde 2003, 171). Furthermore, this research investigates how Amerta Movement practice supports dialogue between diverse ethnic and religious communities in Indonesia. This is especially important in a country where ‘unity in diversity’ is the national motto. As the fourth most populated country in the world, Indonesia has around 500 native ethnic groups, creating a distinctly plural society living in close proximity (Butler 2016, 4). The main aim of the research is to stimulate wider debate on what dance practices and research can contribute in understanding cross-community dialogue as a set of movement practices.
Researcher: Dr. Emma Meehan (Center for Dance Research Coventry University, UK)
Collaborators: Dr. Samsul Maarif (Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS), Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia) & Dr. Diane Butler (Intl. Foundation for Dharma Nature Time)
Further information about program, click here
Published works and events:
- Presentation on the Conference: Our Dance Democracy 3
- Presentation on the 6th International Dance and Somatic Practices Conference, Amerta Movement: Perspectives from Indonesia
- Wednesday forum: Dancing Dialogue
- Video
- Dialogue Moves: Practicing Research with Amerta Movement
Reports:
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