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Thesis
Dance Improvisation and Identity Development: Exploring the Role of the Body in Experiencing and Expressing Self
Master of Arts (M.A.), Drexel University
Sep 2019
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000216
Abstract
This study explores means by which dance improvisation can be utilized in Dance/Movement Therapy (DMT) for identity exploration. The research question asks, "How does the experience and expression of the body in movement improvisation support the exploration and development of identity? The question was addressed through a qualitative research method using a single-subject heuristic design in which I engaged in a structured movement improvisation procedure including journal reflections and mover-witness discussions. Results of this study proposed findings that unpack the process of movement improvisation by naming Active Elements of the process which allow for symbolic representations that surfaces to be interpreted as the movement narrative. Those Active Elements are Preconscious State of Awareness, Metacognitive Thought, and Sequence of Movement. The approach for identifying meaningful movement phrases that led to greater insights of self are grouped as Hallmarks of Meaningful Movement, which include Emotion-Based Movement, Reoccurring Movement, and Movement as Metaphor. Specific Movement Element Themes were identified from the improvisation process which lead to Essences that represent valuable identity findings discussed in the Results chapter. The method used to explore identity here can be compared to Narrative Identity Theory and may be considered an embodied approach to this theory.
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Details
- Title
- Dance Improvisation and Identity Development
- Creators
- Caitlin Green
- Contributors
- Ellen Schelly Hill (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- vi, 126 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies; College of Nursing and Health Professions; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014695144704721