Letters to the Dancing Body: Challenges and Reflections of a Nonconforming Body.
Dance; Letters; Body Standards; Body Diversity.
This work presents a deep reflection on the trajectory of a dancer and researcher with a body outside conventional standards, addressing the unique challenges and alternative forms of expression and resistance encountered throughout the artistic journey. The analysis focuses on moments when the body was limited by normative aesthetics, the demands of the stage, and experiences of anti-pedagogy in dance. The dissertation adopts the form of letters, a format that allows for a more intimate and personal reflection on the complexities of living and dancing with a body outside the norm. Through these letters, it is possible to reflect on the experiences of a marginalized body in dance, while also establishing a dialogue with theorists who address themes such as inclusion, diversity, and body prejudice in the art world. The chapters explore the stages of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, analyzing how the body influences artistic practice and how dance can serve as a space for resistance to aesthetic standards imposed by society. The work aims to contribute to the discussion on the inclusion of diverse bodies in the artistic field, emphasizing the importance of promoting diversity in art and challenging conventional aesthetic norms.