Alon: Journal for Filipinx American and Diasporic Studies

Philippine dance abounds with political intention, transforming thefamily, region, and nation. As a response to sociopolitical events, I considerdances in campaign events leading up to the 2022 Philippine elections. Whatcan dance tell us about the relationship between political leaders and thosewho are led? What historico-political insights come from the spontaneous andephemeral quality of election performances? Using movement observation, Isurvey “election season dances” performed and circulated via Twitter (now X)and YouTube. I suggest that these are appeals to affect and to bodies’ desiresto move collectively—important components of Philippine performativetraditions.