The Feminist Body Reimagined in Two Dimensions: An Exploration of the Intersections Between Dance Film and Contemporary Feminism

Abstract

An exploration of the intersections of dance film and contemporary feminism. Both film and dance have long histories of issues concerning the presentation, treatment and resulting perception of women’s bodies in addition to a historical lack of women in leadership roles. However dance film, a medium that finds its context in the accessible realm of digital media, presents a platform to practice and demonstrate feminist principles in ways that independent dance and film do not. An imperfect form, however, dance film does not serve all artists equally. This essay raises questions about the visual politics of dance film through experiential and quantitative explorations of the author’s experiences as a dancer, dance filmmaker, educator and film festival curator.