A Somaesthetics of Performative Beauty

This book develops an original theory of performative beauty. Philosophical aesthetics has largely neglected one's own actions as a potential experience of the beautiful. The author uses own experiences of Argentine tango as a case study; one important incentive for social dancing is to have pleasurable and beautiful experiences.

Falk Heinrich is a professor of participatory aesthetics and artistic research at Aalborg University, Denmark. Before joining academia, he worked as a theatre actor and director and installation artist. He studied dramaturgy and wrote his PhD on interactive digital installation art. He is the editor of The Journal of Somaesthetics.

1. Preface and Introduction 2. Preparing the Philosophical Dance Floor 3. Methodological Dances 4. Freedom and Poiesis 5. Promises and Grace 6. Eros and Objectivization 7. Selections and Unity (Sensus Communis) 8. Appendix: My Argentine Tango