physical and sensorial connections that
and inspired by Darwin’s work ‘Origin of
become available from that connection,
Species’. Galton proposed ideas and social
whether that is a physical connection
philosophies of selective breeding. His work
between two or more bodies or exploring
had two main features. One was to increase
an internal connection in one’s own body.
the human gene pool with valuable and
The generative cycle of the Elements
desirable genetic traits (known as ‘positive
depicts that Water nourishes Wood, so one
eugenics’), such as strength, dexterity,
could explore either how the two relate
specific cosmetic and behavioural
in a nurturing sense or create conflict by
qualities). While simultaneously, he called
reversing the flow. The choreographic and
for eliminating the undesirable or ‘invalid’
dramaturgical possibilities that arise from
traits through genocide and abortion
this exploration are limitless.
(known as ‘negative eugenics’).
Vangelis and I collaborate in the ‘Dance
‘Eujeanix’ expands on an interpretation
and Being Art Project’, an ongoing
natural selection or ‘survival of the fittest.
workshop series in Australia, hosted
Research for this process will involve
in Adelaide in (September 2014 & May
exploring eugenic propaganda, texts and
2015) and Melbourne (May & October
devising movement inspired by a variety of
2016) that explores the Embodied Unity
sources including excerpts from speeches
methodologies. This project is intended to
of historical figures, political campaign
become a regular occurring event around
materials and books written on the subject,
Australia, with future workshops planned
both for and against eugenics.
for Melbourne, Sydney and regional NSW. I also participated at the ‘International
Although eugenics for many is
Interdisciplinary No Borders’ projects
predominantly associated with Nazi
(December 2013 & 2016), a month-long
Germany and the Holocaust, eugenic
workshop hosted in a different city and
principles have been practised as far
country each year.
back as Ancient Greece and Egypt, with the disposal of babies born with
During my time at the Dance4 Exchange,
certain undesired traits (sometimes as
I will be undertaking choreographic
insignificant as facial structure).
exploration and development of ‘Eujeanix’, a triptych of work themed around eugenics
Aspects of eugenics are still practiced
and the social philosophies of Francis
today by every nation. Many political
Galton, the half cousin to Charles Darwin
policies and structures encourage
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