Bodily Offerings of Belonging: Chinese-Australians in Perth

Author: Lau, Sin Wen

Source: The Asia Pacific Journal of Anthropology, Volume 8, Number 2, June 2007 , pp. 137-149(13)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

Under the auspices of a prominent Chinese association, a group of young Chinese girls diligently practise, produce and perform what they understand to be Chinese cultural dance in Perth, Western Australia. The public performance of this cultural dance form has been a common sight since the implementation of multiculturalism in the Australian landscape in the 1970s. This paper explores how a uniquely Chinese-Australian belonging is enabled for a migrant community in one of Australia's key cities by focusing on the processes through which Chinese cultural dance is postured, practised and produced. It underlines the dynamic reflexivity and resilience demonstrated by the community in seeking to define their belonging within a state-imposed framework.

Keywords: Multiculturalism; Overseas Chinese; Diaspora; Belonging; Australia

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14442210701291819

Publication date: 2007-06-01