The Wise Body

“A long-awaited, remarkable collection that gives life to the dancing body. At last a chance to hear the voices of these very special performers and creators who have carried the discoveries of the new dance movement over thirty years. What is so exciting and beautiful is that the writing is as unique as each of the creative identities. A book to treasure for all those who have sought to understand the moving body.”

“If today we are learning to value older dancers, this is largely due to the revolution in dance practices and training methods that took place in the 1970s and 1980s. Many of the interviews in this book are with pioneers of new ways of moving that focus on somatic practices which have been informed by an understanding of the dancing body that embraces both aesthetics and politics. Lansley and Early have been at the forefront of these developments in Britain and The Wise Body not only adds to our historical knowledge but also offers new insights into the practice of experienced dancers.” —Ramsay Burt, De Montfort University