Year of Graduation
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MFA: Dance
Directing Professor
Jeffery Bullock
Abstract
my body is bad is an integrative endeavor that critically examines cultural and theological teachings within the Evangelical Church, focusing on the rise of Purity Culture and its connections to a broader history of patriarchy and white supremacy in America. This work investigates the psychological, emotional, sexual, and spiritual impact on women raised within Purity Culture, analyzing its core teachings and the systems that perpetuate them. By exploring the intersection of political, societal, and religious ideologies, this work interrogates how these forces—manifested through Purity Culture narratives—shape women’s identities, self-worth, and sexual agency. This work combines scholarly research, survivor testimonies, and embodied practice to investigate the complexities of deconstructing these narratives. Key arguments include the harmful effects of religious and cultural teachings on the female body and sexuality, the necessity of rebuilding self-identity in the face of oppressive systems, and the importance of reckoning with female pleasure. Influenced by the provocative works of artists like Marina Abramović and Karen Finley, this thesis aims to empower those who have been silenced, confront systems of oppression, and advocate for healing, freedom, agency, and autonomy for survivors of deep religious and social trauma. The work culminates in an immersive experience where projected, distorted images of the researcher’s body are paired with a live performance to interrogate and expose the oppressive systems of Purity Culture and patriarchy, offering a visceral confrontation with the psychological and emotional impact of these narratives.
Recommended Citation
TenNapel, Daintry, "My Body is Bad" (2026). Dance (MFA) Theses, Hollins University. 57.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/dancetheses/57
Performance Access Statement
If you wish to see the creative piece or performance that accompanied this thesis, please complete the Request Form, and you should receive a response from the Dance Department within two weeks.