Performing Paradox

The article reflects on the presence of disability in dance cultures as a paradox and theorizes components of a queer crip dance aesthetic. Using examples from queer crip disability dance performance across multiple genres sourced from videos, digital media, and live performances, the discussion covers the aesthetic principles of multiplicity, leakage, desire, spasm, disruptive authenticity, and dreaming. With a focus on paradox, the article unpacks the contradictions that make disabled dance-making so rich, varied, and culturally vital, arguing that these aesthetic strategies are an important part of the political fight against ableism and toward the valuation of sick and disabled body-minds on a larger cultural scale.