ARC gifted by the publisher

In this collection of intriguing and refreshing essays about Asian/Asian American identity, Wu examines the relationship between diaspora and fashion, whether fashion can be separated from capitalism and consumerism, and how to center joy in a world where ethics is presented as a grayscale. I particularly love the essays about interracial competition—how tokenized Asians and other POCs in "elite" institutions are used as virtual signaling rather than systemic change. The article on "self-orientalizing" to reclaim one's definition of being Asian is another fascinating topic that had me thinking about my own fashion choices. While some essays stand out more than others, I find DANCING a stimulating read that doesn't center on the trauma of Asian diaspora but rather our endless possibilities for joy and collaboration.