Simon Wu’s Dancing on My Own is a masterful blend of art criticism, autobiography, personal essay, and travel writing, exploring the aesthetics of class aspiration, the complexities of creating art and fashion, and the boundaries of identity politics. Wu, an artist, curator, and writer, skillfully layers his experiences like translucent curtains, revealing a landscape where the past shapes the present and future.

Throughout Dancing on My Own, Wu centers on the vulnerability of living in a world where history influences every choice, every party drug, and every relationship. His message is clear: to dance on your own is to move from critique to joy, to approach identity with sympathy for its promises of belonging, and to look beyond it.

what an incredible essay collection on queerness, art, and belonging! really insightful and sharp from a new to me voice.

In "Dancing on My Own," Simon Wu embarks on a vivid exploration of gay nightlife, the allure of the art world, and the nuances of identity through a collection of essays that sparkle with intellectual curiosity and emotional depth. With a nod to Robyn's iconic track from which the book draws its title, Wu transforms the act of dancing alone from a symbol of solitude into a powerful metaphor for personal and communal liberation.

The essays weave together personal anecdotes with sharp cultural criticism, inviting the reader into Wu's thoughtful examination of class, creativity, and identity. My favoirte essay, "A Model Childhood," is not merely about sifting through the detritus in a suburban garage but serves as a poignant exploration of the memories and meanings attached to our possessions and the spaces we inhabit. This essay, like others in the book, uses personal narrative as a springboard into broader societal commentary, making Wu's insights both intimate and expansive.

What makes Wu's collection particularly compelling is its ability to balance critique with an underlying current of joy and hope. Through his essays, Wu dances through the complexities of life and art, never shying away from the difficult questions but also celebrating the moments of beauty and connection that arise in the midst of struggle. It is a book that will resonate with anyone engaged in the ongoing dance of self-discovery and societal engagement, offering a fresh perspective on what it means to belong and to stand apart.