Decolonial Pedagogies Through Dance: A Workshop with Tjimur Dance Theatre

Tjimur Dance Theatre, an award-winning contemporary Indigenous dance company from Taiwan, is currently touring the United Kingdom. With the college’s support, the company led a dynamic workshop at St John's this weekend, attended by 21 participants, introducing traditional Paiwan cultural practices through a contemporary lens.

Participants were encouraged to engage with movement, voice, and breath, stepping beyond their comfort zones to experience dance as a form of decolonial pedagogy. The session concluded with a thoughtful Q&A segment, fostering meaningful dialogue between the artists and attendees.

As part of their visit, Tjimur Dance Theatre also took part in an Uncomfortable Oxford tour, which offered new insights into the city’s complex histories, and enjoyed the warm hospitality of the college with a meal in Hall. St John's is proud to have played a role in facilitating this exchange, through our Small Arts Grants, supporting conversations around decolonial practice and celebrating the rich cultural perspectives brought by visiting artists.