Writing Exercises and Discussions

Discussions and writing exercises played an integral role in the development process of Peace, Love, and Dance. These activities inspired movement phrases, facilitated a bond between cast members and a safe space for cast members to share their experiences, and influenced artistic interpretations of the movement. Writing activities and discussions gave dancers the tools to discover their personal connection to the movement and infuse the dance with their own purpose. Dancers reflected on and analyzed their emotions at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement in Summer of 2020. They read an excerpt from an article entitled “Equity vs. Equality: What’s the Difference?” that discusses the differences between equality and equity. Using this resource, dancers theorized actionable ways to increase equity in the dance world. Reflecting on their experience of being treated differently or witnessing someone else be treated differently because of their race, dancers created movement solos inspired by five words from their writing. Dancers considered their relationship with their identity and described their life story through movement. They devised their own version of a utopian society, and the roles individuality and unity would play in this ideal world. Dancers drew from these explorations to create movement solos seen throughout the production. 

To read the article "Equity vs. Equality: What's the Difference?", click here.