Year of Graduation
2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MFA: Dance
Directing Professor
Jeffery N. Bullock
Abstract
The performative nature of concert dance requires a profound awareness and understanding of the body and the mind. Formal dance training situates an environment where the investigation of the body is crucial, often leaving the responsibility of internal inquiry to the dancer. In my experience as a Black, Queer, and Trans/Non-Binary person assigned male at birth, this investigation has been incredibly difficult. This research explores not only the sub-cultural context that influenced my resistance to emotional maturity but also the places that shaped my connection to vulnerability and how I’ve been able to access it. The performance of Black hyper-masculinity often doesn’t leave room for tenderness, personal critical reflection, or the display of emotions; thus, the nature of this work radically pushes against those existing structures and questions their position in our society.
Recommended Citation
Gray, Paris NGai, "Practicing Vulnerability: A Black Queer Dance That is Never-Ending Due to the Faults of Our American Society" (2024). Dance (MFA) Theses, Hollins University. 41.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/dancetheses/41
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.