“Critical dance studies” is a term that appeared in the 21st century to highlight the robust interdisciplinary development of the field since the 1980s. Critical dance studies investigates the cultural, historical, political, and philosophical dimensions of embodied expression and bodies in motion—in the street and on the stage, in the studio and on the screen, in the archive and in the field. This cluster engages graduate students in a network of peers and faculty from several departments, who regularly convene on campus and attend events off-campus.
All disciplinary perspectives are welcome—from anthropology and sociology, from musicology and visual culture, from history and literature, from theatre, performance, and media studies. Over the last twenty years we have had students with all these affiliations pursue dance research at Northwestern but without the support of a network. Hence the formation of this cluster in 2024 intends to amplify the energies of faculty and students by creating a forum for exchange. We come together to consider the role that dance, movement and bodies have in knowledge production.
Programs and Events
Critical Dance Studies regularly hosts events on campus and takes advantage of partnerships with the Black Arts Consortium and the Slippage Lab. The cluster is also affiliated with the Chicago Dance Studies Working Group, a forum for artists, educators, researchers and writers that meets five times a year at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Outings to attend local dance workshops and concerts are also part of the yearly agenda.
How to Apply
Prospective PhD students interested in participating in this cluster should indicate their interest when they apply to their respective graduate programs.
Current students interested in participating in this cluster should contact the cluster director.