Raphaël Blanchier

Raphaël Blanchier is a Lecturer in Anthropology specializing in dance studies, with a particular focus on Mongolian dance traditions, cultural heritage, and the transmission of bodily practices. He is affiliated with the Faculty of Sports Science at the University of Clermont Auvergne, where he holds significant academic responsibilities including co-heading the Master 1 Civilizations, Cultures and Societies program and serving as Educational Manager for the Erasmus Mundus Master's degree 'Choreomundus: International Master in Dance Knowledge, Practice & Heritage.'

Dr. Blanchier completed his doctorate in Anthropology in 2018 at the École Pratique des Hautes Études - Paris Sciences et Lettres under the supervision of Michael Houseman and Charles Stépanoff. His dissertation focused on 'Mongolian dances as heritage: performance and transmission of bii biêlgee and stage Mongolian dance in contemporary Mongolia.' He is a graduate of the École Normale Supérieure and holds an agrégé in classical literature, with previous experience as a scholarship holder at the Musée du Quai Branly.

His research centers on the anthropology of dance, with particular expertise in Mongolian cultural practices. Blanchier investigates how dance functions as a vehicle for cultural transmission, national identity formation, and heritage processes. His work examines the complex relationship between traditional dance forms like bii biêlgee and contemporary influences, including globalization and digital media. He has conducted extensive fieldwork in Mongolia, exploring how dance communities navigate tradition and innovation, and how knowledge is transmitted through bodily practices. His research also extends to French traditional dance forms, as evidenced by his work on the Auvergne bourrée.

Blanchier's scholarly output reveals a consistent focus on the political dimensions of dance, the relationship between dance and national identity, and the complex processes of heritage-making in contemporary contexts. His recent work has increasingly addressed the role of digital platforms in dance transmission and the evolving nature of dance communities in the digital age, as seen in his research on Facebook usage by Mongolian dancers.

• Specializes in Mongolian dance traditions (particularly bii biêlgee)
• Researches cultural heritage processes and national identity construction through dance
• Examines the impact of globalization on traditional dance forms
• Investigates digital media's role in dance transmission
• Studies French traditional dance (Auvergne bourrée)

As an educator, Blanchier plays a key role in developing international dance education programs, particularly through the Choreomundus Erasmus Mundus program, which reflects his commitment to interdisciplinary and international approaches to dance studies. His academic service includes significant contributions to research communities through conference presentations, translations of Mongolian literature, and collaborative projects examining dance, heritage, and cultural identity across multiple contexts.