The cultural flow of monism in dance: somatic practice and the reshaping of Eastern philosophical embodiment in Chinese dance

This article takes Somatic practice as the starting point to explore the cultural flow and practical application of the concept of ‘mind-body unity’ in both Eastern and Western contexts, focusing on its reception among Chinese dancers. By examining the internationalization of the distinct body philosophies in dance between China and the West, as well as the Eastern body perceptions shaped by Chinese dance education, this study explores how this concept, rooted in Eastern philosophy, transforms as it traverses back to China from the West. By employing Sensory ethnography (Pink 2009) and Intuitive Ethnography (East 2022), the research investigates Chinese dancers’ perceptions and engagements with Somatic practice in dance context. It highlights the cultural reshaping and philosophical reinterpretations that influence the consciousness and cultural identity of these dancers, offering insights into the global cultural flows in dance philosophy and practice.