Talking circle: Cultural Appropriation and Intercultural Gathering

Through three discussion circles and the publication of Comprendre les enjeux de l’inclusion en danse*, a commented lexicon, the Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD) has worked toward clarifying ideas related to systemic racism and discrimination in order to better include dance professionals from equity groups during the 2018–2019 season. This season’s four talking circles, open to everyone, will provide an opportunity to delve into everyone’s thoughts and concerns, relying on shared experiences to stimulate discussions.

On September 30, our discussion will focus on the complex topic of cultural appropriation and intercultural gathering from the viewpoint of one RQD member. Hanako Hoshimi-Caines, will share her experience with creating Radio III in collaboration with dancer and choreographer Zoë Poluch and composer and artist Elisa Harkins, an Indigenous person hailing from Cherokee and Muskogee backgrounds.

Hosted by Valérie Lessard and based on the Embodied talk, a principle of equal speaking time proposed by PhD student Camille Renarhd, this discussion will deepen our understanding of what is and is not cultural appropriation. It will also consider the possible types of collaboration and cultural blending, all the while respecting each other’s cultures without constraining freedom of expression.

On September 30, you will be welcome at the café of the MAI from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The doors open from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., after which they will remain closed to foster the spirit of disclosure that these discussions require.

This activity is undertaken with the support of the MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels).

* We strongly recommend you to take note of the lexicon prior to the talking circle.