Kala (black) for Kalbeliya, saphed (white) for Kalbeliya. Intercultural dialogues between Indian and Euro-American practitioners of Kalbeliya dance

Begin - Einde 
2017 - 2021 (lopend)
Vakgroep(en) 
Vakgroep Talen en Culturen
Onderzoeksgroep(en) 
Tijdsperiode 
Onderzoeksmethode 

Tabgroup

Abstract

Indian dances have since long inspired women around the world, not only increasing the international success of staged performances, but also inspiring large numbers of Euro-American women to learn and/or become professionals in these dance styles. This project will study the relationship (the ‘intercultural dialogues’) between Indian and non-Indian performers, who cultures, disclose information about cultural exchange, and reveal how transnational travelling of dance practices influences global and local discourses on neo-Orientalism, gender, social stratification and livelihood. I will explore why and how women based in India, Europe and the USA produce and modify Indian dance together. I will question how these 3 groups of dancers represent each other and themselves? How do they deal with different discourses (on ‘Gypsy’ dance unite non-Indian and Indian performers or does it emphasize differences in identity (cultural appropriation and discursive power relations)? Are these performances an artistic pastime or a way to earn money (artistic identity vs. socio-economic identity)? By applying multiple methods (dance ethnography, historical research, and textual media studies), I will gain full insight in transnational dance cultures of today. 

Onderzoekers

Postdoctorale medewerker(s)