What does it mean to give life to movement? Tamara Williams answers this question through an ethnographic study and historical mapping of the Silvestre Dance Technique created by Brazilian master teacher, dancer, and choreographer, Rosangela Silvestre. In the first book solely dedicated to Silvestre Technique, Williams illustrates how the applied theory of the triangles of inspiration, expression and balance of training can lead to self-actualization through implementation in daily life practice. From the Brazilian arts movements of the 1970s, to the sociopolitical themes of the Blocos Afros, to the global practice of Silvestre Technique presently, the author explores the impact of the Body Universe in understanding self-capacity and capability. Williams investigates the functionality of the technique through a series of interviews, physical practice, and training.

Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

Tamara LaDonna Williams (Ifákẹ́mi Ṣàngóbámkẹ́ Moṣebọ́látán) is an assistant professor of dance at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is the founder and artistic director of Moving Spirits, Inc., a dance company.

Tamara LaDonna Williams (Ifákẹ́mi Ṣàngóbámkẹ́ Moṣebọ́látán)

Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 286
Bibliographic Info: 50 photos, appendix, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2021
pISBN: 978-1-4766-7432-2
eISBN: 978-1-4766-4137-9
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments ix
Foreword by Lela Aisha Jones 1
Preface 5
Introduction 9
I. African-Brazilian Culture in the 1970s and the History of Silvestre Technique 21
II. Creating Possibilities: An Approach to Silvestre Technique 35
III. Practicing the Technique 43
IV. Conceptualizations of Silvestre Technique 65
V. Definition of Silvestre Terms and Positions 87
VI. Introductory Sequences for Silvestre Dance Technique Class 107
VII. Methodology and Pedagogy 232
VIII. Self-Actualization 248
Afterword 257
Appendix 259
Bibliography 269
Index 273