Dialogue in Amerta Movement

Dialogue is often conceived of as verbal interaction between different people or groups – such as spoken text between actors in performance. This research focuses on how ‘dialogue’ is manifested in dance and somatic practices, through sensory relationality and responsiveness to the environment. The attention then is less on conflict of specific ‘actors’ to create a story or choreography but rather dialogue as a more holistic system of exchange. As a study of movement as dialogue, we focus on Amerta Movement, a free-from style of dance developed by Javanese dance artist Suprapto Suryodarmo (Prapto), which specifically explores dialogue with oneself, nature, other people, and communities. We examine the work of seven performing artists in Indonesia who engage with Amerta Movement in their workshops and performances. The text also considers how such movement practices bring about dialogue across difference, addressing social cohesion, respectful relations and social justice.