Aesthetic Assemblages: Relational Aesthetics of the Israeli Movement Practice Gaga

Aschenbrenner L (2023)

Publication Status: Submitted

Publication Type: Unpublished / Preprint

Future Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2023

Publisher: SocArXiv

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the aesthetics of the free-form improvisational dance practice Gaga as a significant example of contemporary neo-spirituality. The study is based on aesthetically relevant data collected in recreational Gaga classes at the Suzanne Dellal Centre in Tel Aviv. The study shows that the aesthetics of practices are relational and depend on a variety of heterogeneous factors; collective and shared aesthetics persist despite individualization. The paper develops assemblage thinking as a theoretical and practical framework for approaching aesthetics. It combines the specific analytical approach of aesthetic analysis with the theoretical concept of assemblage and applies it to an example of neo-spirituality. It evolves the concept of “aesthetic assemblage” to address the challenges of studying practices that focus on movement, body, and experience. It demonstrates that studying aesthetic assemblages of neo-spiritual practices helps to foster an understanding of social and cultural dynamics in the context of religion.

Authors with CRIS profile

Lina Aschenbrenner Lehrstuhl für Kultur- und Sozialanthropologie (Schwerpunkt Law Tech in globalen Rechtskulturen) (Heisenberg-Professur)

Additional Organisation(s)

Center for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences Alternative Rationalities and Esoteric Practices from a Global Perspective (CAS-E)

How to cite

APA:

Aschenbrenner, L. (2026). Aesthetic Assemblages: Relational Aesthetics of the Israeli Movement Practice Gaga. (Unpublished, Submitted).

MLA:

Aschenbrenner, Lina. Aesthetic Assemblages: Relational Aesthetics of the Israeli Movement Practice Gaga. Unpublished, Submitted. 2026.

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