Body Voices 2017: Transmuting Traditions

Conference

WHEN October 13-14, 2017
WHERE NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island Campus WHO NYU Abu Dhabi Open to the Public

Body Voices, a dance conference that aims to explore both the academic and the practical side of dance, is coming to NYU Abu Dhabi in its third edition on October 13-14, 2017. The aim of Body Voices 2017: Transmuting Traditions is to explore how contemporary geospatial and social politics influence traditional dance movements.

During the conference, we will hear from speakers and students from across the globe about their journeys through time, culture, and space, and how these human constructs define and shape their connection to, understanding of, and expression of dance. The conversation will focus on the role of dance in the preservation of traditional narratives, whilse also recognizing the need for new dance narratives that reflect the current collective products of history, migration, war, and political and societal circumstances of the persons who perform them.

Local and international guest speakers will share their experiences through presentations, workshops, Student Dance Project masterclasses, and panel discussions. Additionally, students can create, perform and exhibit a piece of work that explores the conference theme at the Student Dance Project Showcase.

Attending the conference grants you a ticket to see the final dance performance at the end of the second day in the Black Box.

Registration

Cost

NYUAD Students — free
Non-NYUAD Students — USD 30
General Public — USD 50

Registration

Speaker Bios

Terry Bright Kweku Ofosu
Balu Nivison
Debbie Field

Terry Bright Kweku Ofosu is former National Dance Champion of Ghana and an assistant lecturer at the Department of Dance Studies at the University of Ghana. He is interested in "popular dance and its intersection with traditional dance" and "dance and film." He has done extensive research into Azonto dance and Alkayida, making him an authority of popular dance research in Ghana.
Balu Nivison, after studying in London, returned to South Africa during the height of apartheid with the intention of creating an integrated dance troupe, working toward healing the scarred and divided South African psyche. Balu's current teaching practice weaves together spiritual wisdom and dance practice, a creative synergy of diverse disciplines, creating a unique mind-body-soul experience called both "MovingArt" and "Soul Dance," in collaboration with Debbie Field.
Debbie Field works as an arts teacher in her own teaching studio, private studios, and commissioned workshops throughout the country. Since 2004, she collaborates with Balu Nivison in the development and facilitation of the "MovingArt" program — a celebration of the power of the creative arts to heal and empower through movement, visual art, and words.

Speakers

Terry Bright Kweku Ofosu
Balu Nivison
Debbie Field

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