The Art of Waterbending: Reclaiming Our Power through Spiritual Movement
Publication information:
Abstract
Inspired by Avatar: The Last Airbender, this interactive workshop explores empowerment through water as both metaphor and medium. Integrating Spiritual Martial Arts, West African dance traditions, and Daoist shamanism, participants will engage in spiritual movement meditation that celebrates water's transformative power while drawing parallels to human resilience. This specially created "waterbending" form emphasizes how our relationship with nature mirrors our inner landscape and our treatment of marginalized communities. Accessible to all skill levels, the session offers a dynamic experience that honors water deities through flowing movements and connects ancient wisdom with contemporary social awareness and personal empowerment.
Presenter Biography
DeVante Love (They/Them) is an Olympic Martial Artist and Buddhist Monk who teaches meditative movement for inner peace. During their MA program at Columbia, they developed an EQ/SQ-centered curriculum integrating dance and popular culture. Their current PhD work focuses on the liberating potential of ritual combat and dance.