https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36091 2026-04-14T23:17:38Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36452 Title: Sensing differently through dance : investigating the benefits of dance and creative movement as a source of sensory input during an exploration of cognitive and physical learning through nature and community dance Abstract: This study identifies a range of practices in sensory exploration, which are developed through a series of inclusive creative dance movement workshops designed for children with one or multiple conditions of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). The benefits of this kind of learning experience will be discussed, as well as the effects that creative movement could have on the pupils’ cognitive and physical learning, and as a result, the impact that dance could have on their social and emotional well-being. The thesis reports on an eight-week pilot project, named Elements, involving a mixed group of young pupils, through Sensory Awareness Journeys and a variety of outdoor learning activities. The project’s findings are used to reflect on children’s sensory experiences in and through dance, while also offering information about the effectiveness of the several methodologies used within the workshops. The thesis will also develop the argument that site-specific, environmentally-oriented, and cross-disciplinary workshops and performances can enhance the holistic learning of young pupils with and without disabilities, therefore adding value to their education. Above all, Elements is aimed to develop inclusivity, dialogue, creativity, mindfulness, and outdoor sensory learning through creative movement practices, and the outcomes are analysed as a case study in implementing these goals for a mixed group of children between the ages of 5 to 10 years, including children with SPD. The dissertation concludes with recommendations for implementing these principles within school learning. Description: M.PERFORMANCE STUD. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36451 Title: Animalistic being : an exploration of the body-mind connection in the particular case of Gaga Abstract: The objective of this dissertation is to explore the role of the body-mind connection in Gaga movement language in relation to philosophical works. The following research will address the relationship between the body and the mind within Gaga training also from a philosophical point of view. Within this study, Gaga will be related to philosophy taking under consideration the work of Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Phenomenology of Perception and the work of Alva Noë concerning “enactive perception”. Description: B.DANCE STUD.(HONS) 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36450 Title: Constructing human-architectural interactions : intersubjective inscription through affordances in site-specific dance Abstract: This dissertation seeks to explore the human-architectural interactions in public environments, especially during site-specific performances. Drawing from theoretical concepts of Merleau-Ponty’s ‘intersubjectivity’ and ‘flesh’, Foucault’s ‘inscription’ and Gibson’s ‘affordance’, I analyse both everyday site-user interactions in architectural public spaces through the ‘inscribing architecture’, and site-user interactions in site-specific performance, eventually generating the concept of ‘intersubjective inscription through affordance’. This new concept highlights the very nature of the site-users interaction, which in reality lies in the relational essence of theoretical concepts of affordance, intersubjectivity, and flesh. Different ways to interact with the site will eventually emerge, once applying those theoretical concepts to the notions of ‘place’ and ‘space’. Through case studies of Dialoge 09 – Neues Museum by Sasha Waltz and Bodies in Urban Spaces by Willi Dorner, I discuss how the site can be approached – as place or space – and how it can challenge conventional behaviours in public environments and generate fresh interactions with both artists and spectators. Description: B.DANCE STUD.(HONS) 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/36449 Title: Fusion, hybridity and contaminazione : a theoretical framework based on the analysis of multi-genre choreographers blending Indian classical and contemporary dance Abstract: This dissertation examines the possibility of building a theoretical framework which can be used to analyse mixed-genre choreographies merging Indian classical dance and contemporary dance. The suggested theoretical framework is developed through the contextualization of three specific terms which are often used to connote mixed-genre choreographies: hybrid, fusion and ‘contaminazione’. The framework is informed by theories drawn from various fields such as post-colonialism, aesthetics, philosophy and the ‘rasa’ and ‘bhava’ theories. A first theoretical contextualization is followed by a specific analysis of the work of three different artists: Akram Khan, Shantala Shivalingappa and Shobana Jeyasingh. My personal knowledge as a Bharatanatyam and contemporary dance practitioner has allowed a more detailed analysis of the choreographies. The theoretical framework is therefore the resultant merging of the various theories and the data collected through the analysis. Description: M.PERFORMANCE STUD. 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z