Red Pointé is a program that aims to discover the status of dancers in Shanghai. I conducted 9 one-on-one interviews with dancers/previous dancers in Shanghai and street-interviewed over twenty residents in Shanghai to gather data. I wrote a research report and edited a
video to demonstrate my investigations. This was then presented in Van Gough
Fans Café with a profit donation to Shanghai Charity Foundation projects.

Research Paper & Video

Dancers' Interpretation of identity and career development outlook

Research Question

What can the anthropology of dance teach us about sociocultural processes in a global context?

Abstract

Since the beginning of the 21st century, it was evident that visual anthropology and
the anthropology of art started to make an impact in the sociopolitical
environment and appeared as a fresh area of research. Sociocultural
investigations integrated with the inquiry of media as a means of communication
have been conducted since then.

Research from different perceptions and times in history would demonstrate the modernity
globalization of art, especially dance as the most natural and archaic medium
of communication. The evolution of social networks along with the physical
constraints shape distinctive cultures and civilizations, differentiating
expressions and outcomes for various purposes. This paper will inspect how
artistic practice and its mediated representations have become crucial to the
constitution of subjectivities, collectivities, truth-telling practices, and
histories in the contemporary world from a global scale.

This research paper mainly fits in the area of anthropology and art, with a focus on
approaches to dance. Aspects of the evolution of media, globalization, cultural
studies, ethnography, politics, sociology, and urban studies would also be
incorporated into the research. While criticism and personal opinions on
particular aspects of the dance system will be held.

Introduction

Dance is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries and has been a
significant part of human expression for centuries. The anthropology of dance
is a fascinating field of study that explores the cultural and social
significance of dance across various societies and time periods. Dance has been
an integral part of human expression since the beginning of civilization, and
it continues to play a vital role in shaping our identities, beliefs, and
values. As a form of art and communication, dance offers unique insights into
the ways in which humans interact with each other and with their environment.
Through the lens of anthropology, we can gain a better understanding of the
diverse meanings and functions of dance in different contexts, from religious
rituals and social ceremonies to political protests and everyday life.

This research paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the anthropology of
dance, examining its historical roots, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary
debates. Supported by comparisons between different countries and historical
periods to visualize the progression of dance as a medium of communication and
its contribution to the global context, this paper would enhance people's
understanding of dance as a liberal art and how it articulates historical
consciousness.

Comparative research will be conducted from a transnational perspective to see the linkages between how sociocultural activities develop into a phenomenon in a global
context and how it refuses reified boundaries of place and culture. The subject
of diversity would be examined from different aspects and social fields to
evoke critical thinking about the production, circulation, and reception of
civilized and contextual conditions.

The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of human expression, communication, and creativity, as
well as the ways in which dance can be used to promote social change and
well-being.

(More details in the Full Paper)