In Balance of Power, three uniformed performers move through a cycle of three yoga ‘warrior’ poses that combine strength, balance and tenacity. It is a recurring strategy within Jennifer Allora & Guillermo Calzadilla’s practice to create images that bring together seemingly disparate elements, exploring their closeness. Here, they address the meditative, spiritual and personal discipline of yoga. They combine this with the collective body of the military, under the authority of the state and intended for warfare. Balance of Power questions the distance between these military and non-military worlds. The work explores the possible meanings and roots of ‘warrior’ poses within the culture of yoga. At the same time, it anticipates the introduction of yoga and mindfulness for soldiers as part of their combat training.

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