What Is Community Dance?A Lecture and Workshop by Cecilia Macfarlane

November 30, 2017

In the UK today, there is an active exploration of ways for citizens to contribute to their communities by taking the lead in placemaking and solving local problems. Among these approaches, various initiatives are being developed that use art as a tool to partner the power of citizens as human capital with the power of artists, a method of "creative placemaking" advocated by figures such as Charles Landry. On this occasion, we invited Cecilia Macfarlane, who works on building relationships through dance to explore such art initiatives, to experience the meaning of community dance firsthand through a workshop and a subsequent discussion. The participants were diverse, including not only students but also people working in welfare facilities, artists, parents and children, and individuals striving for social independence. Macfarlane, who founded Oxford Youth Dance and is also an active choreographer, holds community dance lectures and workshops around the world. Having already visited Japan nine times, she emphasizes accepting differences as they are, focusing on what emerges from within rather than imitating, and connecting that to collaboration with others. During the workshop, participants discovered how to open their bodies to others by alternating between "opening" and "closing" themselves. Afterward, by working in pairs and then in groups, they fostered communication through dance by synchronizing their movements with others. At the same time, Macfarlane drew our attention to the body as a physical entity. This involved being conscious of the body's core and the flexibility of the spine. It was a method for understanding and realizing the opening and closing of the body as a mechanism. Through these two aspects, a variety of topics were explored in the discussion. What is the meaning of art in an aging society? What is the significance of sharing expression across different generations, and what are effective ways to do so? While art as a form of expression can sometimes have a very strong impact, how can we ensure the building of a safe community? Can we learn from each other through the same art despite cultural differences? Questions and topics for discussion were endless, including the characteristics of the Japanese body and communication. This time, the workshop was followed by an explanation from Macfarlane on the meaning and significance of the activities, which then formed the basis for the discussion. This sequence seemed effective for the participants, as it allowed them to formulate questions after having first experienced the meaning of community dance. Many participants expressed their hope that similar art workshops and discussions will be held regularly in the future. We would very much like to make this happen.