Deconstructing paradigms and breaking borders

mature bodies experiencing dance classes in online teaching

Abstract

This essay aims to reflect on the experience that mature women had in dance classes during remote teaching, provided through the action called ‘Sala D Dança’, belonging to the Bailar Project, from UFPel. The text brings the narrative of mature bodies in the contemporary world, with contributions of foundation for perspectives to glimpse virtuosity in these bodies through dance, together with the didactic-pedagogical organization of the classes. The action was inten- ded to shift paradigms, overcoming boundaries imposed by society to mature public, through the participant’s sense of belonging and appropriation, so they felt free and fulfilled with their dance, developing aesthetic awareness, the practice of expression of the senses as well as a technical base of diversified movements. We have completed the project and activities with the feeling that the objective had been achieved, because in addition to fulfilling the role that the project proposed, ‘Sala D Dança’ became a place for exchanging experiences and learning. An convenient environment to relaxation and socialization, which, suppressed during the pandemic period, despite still without face-to-face interaction, was able to be adapted to remote condi- tions during this action.