Preface

Abstract This preface discusses Janet Jackson’s canonical song and music video, Rhythm Nation 1814. It explores the hopefulness embedded in the lyrics, and the ways choreography supports this rhetorical mission. A close reading of the video is provided to consider the significance of dance to the idealistic project of universalism. The preface meditates on the connections between Jackson’s video and the themes that are present throughout the book. While both share a focus on the power of choreography to cohere community, the book detours from Jackson to challenge a presumption that the value of dance rests in its capacity to transcend structural inequalities.