Dance, Dance, Revolution

The majority of people in Western societies are living in relative freedom from suffering—and thus in a bizarre contrast to those who find themselves in areas dominated by crisis or war. For many, the resulting discrepancy gives rise to a feeling of powerlessness, while at the same time we resort to escapism in order to cope with the disparity between these two worlds. The sense of moral obligation stands in stark contrast to exuberant celebrations, and yet they have always been socially binding and liberating.

The group exhibition Dance, Dance, Revolution at Kunsthaus Hamburg explores dance as a dynamic form of protest. Against the backdrop of the ongoing Russian full-scale war in Ukraine, the participating artists negotiate dance, rhythm and sound as an emancipatory act of collective resistance. From traditional folk dances to contemporary raves—the expressive power inherent in movement symbolizes lived feelings, a sense of belonging and cohesion. Dance allows us to escape reality for some fleeting moments, to feel a connection with others and to strengthen a conscious response to injustice and war through solidarity.