conference focusing on dance knowledge from Africa and the diaspora by Nora Amin

10:30 – 11:30 | PART 01

The future of dance in Africa is closely linked to the pressing issues of climate change and the global environmental crisis.

The conference will explore the future of dance in Africa against the backdrop of global environmental disaster and climate crisis: How is the dancing body connected to and affected by the environment? What are the interconnections of the ecological system and the circular reproduction of resources, including the human body – and how can dance contribute to the dissemination of the philosophy and wisdom of nature, while acknowledging its presence as an active part of nature?

PART 01 opens the conference and welcomes participants with a short breathing/movement exercise. It is dedicated to looking at the body in relation to ecology in Africa, ecology in relation to cultural wisdom and wisdom in relation to the care of the dancing body in the diaspora and around the world.

Guest Artist: Duduzile Voigts

11:30 – 11:45 | Break

11:45 – 12:45 | PART 02

To shape the future, we also need to look back at history, the past and the present.

Looking out to the future requires also looking back into history, the past and the present: how can dance create ways of healing the past, transforming trauma, reconstructing identities beyond colonialism and racism, and how can it inform towards future reconciliation and togetherness in a world that is still ruled by polarisation and oppression.

PART 02 explores the psychological and emotional depth of the dancing body and how it moves into the future. It covers topics such as dance healing/therapy, the representation of intergenerational trauma in dance, and dance as a practice of togetherness and reconciliation.

Guest Artist: Pasquale Virginie Rotter

12:45 – 14:00 | Lunch Break

14:00 – 15:30 | PART 03

Exploring the future of dance education and outreach.

In PART 03, Sandra Noeth and Nora Amin look together at the future of dance education and dance outreach: What new visions do we need for more cultural and social justice?

The idea is to engage with the themes of this session through an embodied exchange. Participants will have the opportunity to experience this process in a collective, diverse, collaborative and participatory way. Themes such as roots, fusion, autonomy, authorship and representation will be discussed through embodiment and movement.

This part of the conference is open to the public and HZT students by prior registration and will be conducted as a practice-oriented session in a workshop setting.

Guests Artist: Sandra Noeth, Nora Amin

For registration and other questions, please click here