DISCO—An Act of Resistance and Refuge: An Evening of Bodies Moving in Collective Spaces

Charles Hawthorne, MPH , Discussants Danny Yu, LCSW and Cria Merchant, LMFT

Friday Apr 11, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM, IN PERSON EVENT

2nd Fridays

Historically the radical nature of disco music and the club scene offered a sight of refuge for many at the margins. There were few limits imposed on the wildly dynamic expressions of gender, sexuality and race while simultaneously allowing acceptance and freedom. How can we capture this movement (in both senses of the word)? Put aside ideas of a “formal” presentation and open yourself to a communication of bodies. Linking the sociopolitical, psychoanalytic concepts and dance, Charles, Danny and Cria will offer a way to illuminate swirling, spinning and voguing. We invite you to dance, engage, connect with yourself and each other through the beats of DJ Charles Hawthrone. Our intention is to hold the radical nature of disco music, to queer the space of psychoanalysis and offer the psychesoma room to sashay. We will look at the vertices of the club scene from many angles and join together in the rhythm of the body. Be in (not Bion)!

CE Credits offered: 2

Course Objectives

After completing this course participants will be able to:

1. Discuss the therapeutic implications of how body movement (dance) in response to music may facilitate integration of the self and provide insights into unconscious states.
2. Discuss elements of how the dance floor might act as a metaphorical “holding environment” offering both safety and freedom for individuals to explore emotions and identity.

db.pincsf.org/events – 415-288-4050 — 530 Bush St, Suite 703, SF CA USA — pincsf@gmail.com

The Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California (PINC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PINC maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Visit db.pincsf.org/policies for policies and disclaimers.