Date of Award
5-2020
Document Type
Thesis - Open Access
Abstract
This thesis provides insight on the vast effects of systematic racial injustice towards Black people living in Baltimore, Maryland. It highlights the negative effects of racism and the impact of collective shared trauma, while also bringing attention to the resilience long-time and current residents have shown through the action of movement, dance, and simply being. The essence of the Baltimore originated social dance called Rockin’ Off/Shakin’ Off, developed in 2005, provides the chance to dance out lived individual and shared experiences. The discussion sheds light on similarities between key principles of dance/movement therapy and Rockin’ Off/Shakin’ Off, and how this form has been instrumental in emphasizing how belonging aids in communal healing.
Recommended Citation
Cooper, Naja, "A Baltimore Love Thing: A Look at Social Dances and Their Connection to Communal Healing Amongst Black People in Baltimore" (2020). Dance/Movement Therapy Theses. 68.
https://digitalcommons.slc.edu/dmt_etd/68