Rhythmic Parasites: A Virological Analysis of Sound and Dance

Abstract

This article analyses the contagious spread of rhythm across the physical,cultural and technical levels of the dancing body. The first analytical level maps the bio-physical diffusion of rhythm in the cellular population of the human body. The second level follows the diffusion of rhythm, sound and dance rituals across social and geographic limits. The third level shows how the development of new digital technologies of rhythmic engineering (such as digital sound systems) allows the microscopic control of physical potential and social mobility (for example in dance clubs), but also the simultaneous emergence of autonomous, self-organised physical and social events (for example at rave parties).

Keywords

• rhythm
• dance music