A queer feminist anthropologist exploring the realities of culture, gender, and sexuality in contemporary Asia
Weighty, abstract and astounding: Tao Dance Theatre’s 4 and 5 Hypnotic, enthralling and undeniably special: bodies ebb and flow with the tide of change in Chinese choreographer Tao Ye’s 4 and 5. These are just two parts in a series of abstract works that “explore the potential of the human body as a visual element, [...]
I recently made a major decision that will change my life. Since then, other parts of my life have really improved. Everything around me has taken on the glisten of wonderment that I hadn’t seen there previously. So, its probably about time I told the world. Or, at least, those in it who don’t already [...]
When it comes to hair removal, I am (to my immense irritation) unrelentingly hypocritical. It's something I've got strong views on but haven't always stuck to my beliefs in my own personal habits. On the surface, I believe it's a waste of time, money and sense. It goes right against my feminist beliefs. Knowing that [...]
When I requested tickets for Circusfest 2014 at London's Roundhouse, I was working on the basis that I'd reviewed some circus in the Mime Festival earlier in the year, and though not strictly dance, circus seems physical and choreographed enough that it might just fit in... In my opinion, circus is just on the brink [...]
I found the uncontrollable, indescribable madness of James Thierrée’s Compagnie du Hanneton absolutely, bafflingly inspiring. I couldn't put my finger on why chaos would make me want to create, but perhaps Thierrée’s ability to acknowledge the chaos, to let it flourish without reigning in the madness and put that on stage with some semblance of [...]
Who gives us the right to an opinion? However informed we are (there's quite a range of knowledge levels on the spectrum from no prior awareness at all to "I've got a PhD and written several books on the subject"), we are entitled to our individual opinions. One can always claim to be an authority [...]
Today is Ascension Day (40 days after Easter), which is a public holiday throughout the rest of Europe but not in the UK. I know this because work has been put on hold by many clients I work with today, who have a nice 4-5 day weekend while we continue the normal routine. Re-reading the [...]
I'm in two minds about this question. I'm the kind of lighthearted person who doesn't take things too personally, and, having experienced many different manifestations of racism on my travels around the world - from having "white" shouted at me in Uganda to having my skin-tone admired in Korea - I generally tend to believe [...]
A lone voice rings out in an ancient Taiwanese ritual chant, Greeting the Gods, as a businessman carries an oversized briefcase past a pool full of lotus blooms. A circle of white-clad Celebrants sit with backs poker-straight and whip bamboo sticks against the floor while a female Shaman dances herself into an ecstatic frenzy. She [...]
Arguably one of the most influential female artists in contemporary Flamenco, Eva Yerbabuena is known for having a unique approach to Flamenco, which includes dramatising storylines, creating group choreography and mixing dance styles in her works. She tours worldwide, both as a solo artist and with her company Eva Yerbabuena Ballet Flamenco, and is celebrated [...]
Zhēn de Gender 