Join us for our March Trimontium Talk! Rhythms of Rome: Dance and Identity in the Roman Empire with Thania M. Flores.

“The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music. Bodies never lie… If you want to understand a nation, look at its dances and listen to its folk songs – don’t pay any attention to its politicians”. – Agnes de Mille

Dance is rarely the first thing we associate with the Roman Empire, yet it was an essential part of the ancient world, and it was prevalent throughout Rome’s vast and expanding territories. Roman dance culture was vibrant, woven into rituals, mythology, festivals, banquets, spectacles and even perceptions of identity. Far from being mere entertainment, dance reflected social structures, gender roles, slavery and entrepreneurship, the sacred and the mundane, and even boundaries between ‘Romanness’ and ‘otherness.’

In this fascinating talk, Thania M. Flores will delve into the world of Roman dance. Through depictions in art, evocative literary accounts, and intriguing artefacts, this talk will explore the complex social roles of dancers, from sought-after performers to marginalised figures. We will pay particular attention to the enigmatic puellae gaditanae, examining how Romans perceived dance and the characteristics of dance that can be gleaned from the artistic, literary and archaeological records. This exploration will provide valuable insights into the broader cultural landscape of the Roman Empire.

Thania M. Flores is an art historian (MA, PhD ABD University of Toronto), former dance studio owner/ choreographer and current Heritage Environment Resources Officer at the Trimontium Museum – where she regularly performs and runs workshops on Roman-inspired dance.

Book your spot today!

Booking details

This talk will take place online via Zoom only.

Trimontium Members, all talks are included as part of your membership. You will automatically be sent joining details as part of your membership 48 hours prior to the talk.

Non members attending online will receive the joining details via email within 48 hours prior to the talk.