Judith Marcuse: Dancing Towards Change

Change the Story / Change the World

"I think unless we embody sensibilities, we connect the head, the heart and the body. We don't have a complete range of experience and expression are limited in what we think, feel and see, and so I have integrated the body into everything I've done. Judith Marcuse

Judith Marcuse is one of Canada’s senior artist/producers with a career that spans over 40 years of professional work as a dancer, choreographer, director, producer, teacher, writer and lecturer in Canada and abroad. She has created over 100 original works for live performance by dance, theatre and opera companies; many projects for film and television; and has produced seven large-scale arts festivals. Her repertory contemporary dance company toured nationally and internationally for more than 15 years, while also creating innovative community and youth programs.

A pioneer in the field of arts for social change, her work is internationally-recognized. The youth-centred, issue-based ICE, FIRE and EARTH projects, each five years long, included workshops, live touring and film productions, and extensive community outreach work. In 2006, Judith Marcuse produced EARTH: The World Urban Festival during the U.N.’s World Urban Forum, hosting performances and exhibitions of socially-engaged artists from around the world and audiences of some 20,000 people.

Marcuse teaches and presents in university and other settings in Canada and abroad. She has received many honours, including Canada’s two major choreographic awards, the Chalmers and the Clifford E. Lee, and an honourary doctorate from Simon Fraser University.

Judith Marcuse Dancing Towards Change: Art, Activism, and Social Transformation

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“My earliest memories of dancing are intertwined with feelings of freedom and expression.”, a sentiment echoed by our esteemed guest, Judith Marcuse. As a pioneer in fusing art with social activism, Judith takes us on a captivating journey through her life, illustrating how the union of head, heart, and body can drive societal transformation. This episode sweeps across the vibrant dance scene of 1960s London, where Judith began her creative quest, and ventures into her profound work engaging communities through collective creativity. Her rich narrative serves as a testament to the influential role physical expression plays in advocacy and change, inspiring listeners to consider how their own passions might fuel meaningful action.

Navigating the complexities of societal oppression and censorship, Judith opens up about her experiences touring globally and the innovative ways she's fostered dialogue and collaboration. She recounts captivating stories of running a dance company as a collective, highlighting the importance of safe spaces for conversation, especially when addressing life's most pressing challenges with the youth. This episode shares nsights into building partnerships that transcend cultural divides, using nonverbal communication to foster understanding, and the vital role of communal efforts in combating loneliness and igniting change.

Rounding out our discussion, the transformative power of art in global collaborations takes center stage. Judith's experiences in Pakistan and South Africa, among other places, reveal art's profound impact on community change and personal growth. She shares the inspirational encounters that have shaped her perspective, stressing the importance of humility, active listening, and embracing diversity. The episode culminates with a look at the Tar Sands Songbook project and the International Center of Art for Social Change, championing the powerful potential of creativity when harnessed for the greater good.

HIGHLIGHTS ---------

0:03:03 - Life's Work (95 Seconds)

0:09:56 - Artists Creating Change Through Collaboration (88 Seconds)

0:18:06 - Youth-Led Initiatives on Tough Topics (102 Seconds)

0:22:45 - Nonverbal Communication and Creative Survival Strategies (130 Seconds)

0:31:25 - NGOs and Artists Collaborate for ClimateJustice (124 Seconds)

0:35:22 - Tar Sands Songbook (80 Seconds)

0:39:12 - Master's Program (116 Seconds)

0:45:17 - Global Connections Changing Perspectives (67 Seconds)