Gretchen Ward Warren
Dance, Culture & Self-Discovery: A Journey Through Indigenous WorldsWhen the world of classical ballet collides with the rhythmic heartbeat of indigenous dance, a transformative journey emerges. In Hollow Bone, Gretchen Ward Warren delves deep into a voyage of self-discovery, cultural exploration, and artistic creation. Stepping onto Australia’s red terrain, Warren, a celebrated ballet soloist and professor, is forced by unforeseen circumstances down a path of profound awakening. Discovering the rich tapestry of Aboriginal history, culture, and their heart-wrenching struggles, she witnesses echoes of the same pain endured by Native Americans.But where words failed, dance spoke. Harnessing the universal language of movement, Warren created a groundbreaking theatre production - one that brought together Aboriginals of Australia and Native Americans in a symphony of shared stories and dance.Hollow Bone isn’t merely a memoir; throughout, Warren provides seductive descriptions of the people and landscapes of Australia and the American Southwest. Often faced with the unexpected and aghast by the tragic history she discovers, she weaves together a tapestry of passion, ignorance, revelation, and the power of art to bridge seemingly insurmountable divides. As Warren grapples with her own biases and confronts the weight of her white guilt, readers are invited on a transformative journey that dances across continents and challenges perceptions of indigenous people.
