Conflicts are increasingly recognised as situated in local contexts with culturally specific elements playing important roles. At the same time, conflicts reflect and contribute to global dynamics. Seeking peace within this complexity requires curious, creative and critical approaches that can account for politics. But how can peacebuilders account for unique local settings while also recognising multiple and diverse perspectives within and between them? Reflecting on this question, Dancing through the dissonance explores the relationship between peacebuilding and dance in pluralist societies, examining the practice of dance-focused peacebuilding programmes in Colombia, the Philippines and the United States. Incorporating participant voices, critical political analysis and reflections on dance practice, the authors reveal the implications and nuances of arts-based peace initiatives. This book offers a unique insight into the application, practice and analysis of dance-focused peacebuilding programmes, building on a critical understanding of the politics of integrating dance into peacebuilding and the ways in which these programmes fit into global debates around peace and conflict. As the global community continues to seek inclusive pathways to peace that improve upon, supplement, or replace existing dominant approaches, this book provides a valuable in-depth analysis and recommendations for arts-based peacebuilding approaches.

This book explores the relationship between peacebuilding and dance, including insights dance provides on key debates around peace and conflict. Building on existing work in International Relations, Peace and Conflict Studies, and Dance, the authors consider the work of an NGO and its participants deploying dance for peacebuilding through case studies across three contexts-Colombia, the Philippines, and the United States. In doing so, this book explores how dance, as an aesthetic, embodied medium, can embrace emotions, and support relationships across difference. Considering young people as peer leaders, the interaction of local and global hubs for peace, the role of embodied empathy, and the importance of practitioner self-care, this book provides a unique, important discussion as documented through a dance based peacebuilding approach. Through this work, the authors illuminate prospects and challenges in the practice and study of peacebuilding.

Explores the resounding musical performances of Mexican American women such as Chelo Silva, Eva Ybarra, Eva Garza, and Selena within Tejano/Chicano music

In "The Whisper in Room 713," brilliant physicist Dr. Zoe Chen's groundbreaking experiment goes awry, opening a doorway to infinite realities. What begins as a quest for scientific knowledge evolves into an epic journey across the multiverse. As Zoe grapples with the consequences of her discovery, she must navigate strange new worlds, confront cosmic entities, and unravel the mysteries of existence itself. With each step, she transforms from a curious scientist into a guardian of reality, facing challenges that test not only her intellect but her very understanding of what it means to be human. Blending cutting-edge scientific concepts with thrilling adventure, "The Whisper in Room 713" takes readers on a mind-bending exploration of parallel universes, quantum physics, and the nature of reality. Sasha Steinberg's debut novel pushes the boundaries of imagination, offering a unique perspective on our place in the cosmos. This captivating tale will appeal to fans of hard science fiction, cosmic adventure, and anyone who's ever wondered about the 'what-ifs' of parallel worlds. Prepare to question everything you thought you knew about the universe – and yourself.

In this sourcebook, Dick McCaw brings together the key writings of Rudolf Laban. McCaw gives an overview of the theory and practice of this pioneer of dance theatre creating a vital resource for students of dance, movement, theatre and performance.

Dance Appreciation is an exciting exploration of how to understand and think about dance in all of its various contexts. This book unfolds a brief history of dance with engaging insight into the social, cultural, aesthetic, and kinetic aspects of various forms of dance. Dedicated chapters cover ballet, modern, tap, jazz, and hip-hop dance, complete with summaries, charts, timelines, discussion questions, movement prompts, and an online companion website all designed to foster awareness of and appreciation for dance in a variety of contexts. This wealth of resources helps to uncover the fascinating history that makes this art form so diverse and entertaining, and to answer the questions of why we dance and how we dance. Written for the novice dancer as well as the more experienced dance student, Dance Appreciation enables readers to learn and think critically about dance as a form of entertainment and art.

One of the great mysteries of music is how it affects us in multitude of ways. Whether talking about our individual tastes as listeners, or individual differences as performers, what are the psychological qualities that can turn some people into great musicians, but not others? Is it down to genes, sheer hard work, or some other quality in the individual? The Natural Musician is the story of how we become composers, performers, or just discriminating listeners. It searches for those psychological traits essential for turning one into a musician. Unlike many others, Kirnarskaya does believe in the existence of talent, but argues that it is due to multiplicative factors, which she describes, analyses, and shows how to test. She also sheds light on the essence and origins of perfect pitch, examines the triumphs and tortures of musical prodigies, and considers the implications of her theories for the teaching of music. After a foreword from the legendary conductor, Gennady Rodhestvensky, the book looks at our basic musical faculties - how we perceive sounds, distinguish their pitch and structure, and recognise rhythm. It then examines the nature of musical empathy - what it is that allows us to perceive and emotionally connect with music. The second part of the book focuses on the creative processes behind writing music. The third section deals with music education, looking at the role of innate and inherited characteristics in the formation of talent, and considering why many who excel at an early age, burn out later on. The book ends exploring how musical development can shape the human brain, strengthening other cognitive faculties, including those unrelated to music. This is a book that will fascinate anyone with an interest in music and musicians, from the fields of music psychology and education, to musicians themselves, whether amateur and professional.