Dr. Carrie Streeter on Reconstruction-Era Embodied Politics (1870s-1990s)

If you think psychophysical culture activities only took place among well-to-do white women, think again! Dr. Carrie Streeter's research explores how elocution and dance curricula redefined citizenship during the Reconstruction Era in the United States (1870s-1990s).

In this conversation, she shares her discoveries about the range of people who practiced what was often called American Delsartism. Prepare to be amazed.

As Dr. Streeter puts it: "Breathing and moving freely are personal experiences that have never been wholly free from politics. Indeed – as my research shows – a closer look at women's advocacy for easeful breath & movement has much to teach us about the embodied politics of the Reconstruction Era, a particularly consequential period in American history."

It makes a great continuation to last month's recording on Genevieve Stebbins, but it also stands on its own. And yes, we're still waiting for the Netflix series for this one, too.

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