Study material · Episode 9
In this podcast conversation we meet Mariell, a student at the school in Åsadalen, who talks about her journey into street and club dance culture. She is taking a course in which she trains styles such as breaking, hip hop, locking, house and popping. The conversation focuses largely on the deeper meaning of dance beyond technical skill: reconnecting with one’s body as a means of expression, and understanding the political and historical roots of the styles one practises. Mariell stresses the importance of being part of a collective in order to grow, and describes how dance works as a universal language that can unite people regardless of background. A central part of the discussion concerns power structures, cultural appropriation and the ethical responsibility one carries as a privileged practitioner of cultures born out of struggle and oppression.
About the material
This material has been produced by the Arete think tank as an invitation to reflection. It contains a summary of the episode, questions for discussion and sources for those who want to read further – for a study circle or other discussion groups. In this way we take shared responsibility for democratic conversation.
Listen to the episode
Reflection questions
- Historical context: How is our practice of an art form affected if we do not know its historical and political origins?
- Cultural appropriation vs. inspiration: Where is the line between being inspired by another culture and “stealing” or appropriating it?
- Privilege: In what ways can those of us with access to resources and institutions “give back” to the cultures we borrow from?
- Institutions vs. underground: What does an art form gain and what does it lose when it moves from the street into schools and institutions?
- Bodily presence: Why is it so important in today’s society to train the connection between mind and body, for example through dance?
- Collective learning: Can one really develop fully as a human being or artist on one’s own, or is the group necessary for growth?
- Commercialisation: How do commercial forces (such as K-pop or advertising) shape our image of authentic subcultures?
- Competition and performance: How can competitive elements (such as “battles”) be handled so that they become a learning experience rather than a source of insecurity?
- A universal language: In what ways can dance act as a bridge-builder in conflicts where verbal communication falls short?
- Ethical responsibility: What responsibility does a teacher or practitioner have to give recognition (credit) to those who created the forms of expression we use?
What are the three most important lessons you take with you from this episode, and how will you put them into practice?
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Sources, thinkers and people mentioned in the episode
- Mariell: Student at Åsadalen and the main voice of the episode. She shares her perspective on dance as self-exploration, culture and political awareness.
- The teachers at Åsa: Described as people who try to give students a historical context through documentaries and conversations.
- Cultural settings: The conversation mentions specific geographical and cultural origins such as Chicago and New York (house) and the US West Coast (popping). Berlin is also mentioned as an important place for Mariell’s personal development in waving.
Arete podcastConversations on popular education, pedagogy and democracy, hosted by Carl-Anders Säfström, Johanna Iggsten and Daniel Berton. Each episode comes with study material for study circles and discussion groups. All episodes →
