Bodies in motion : researching the perceptions of body and self in somatic dance

Abstract

This dissertation examines the transformative potential of somatic dance classes on participants’ self-perception and body image. Drawing upon literature from dance anthropology and the anthropology of the body, the research explores the relationship and interconnectedness of the individual, social and political bodies within spaces that challenge conventional norms of presentation and behaviour. While scholarly interest in the cross-cultural significance of dance as a natural part of human behaviour has grown, fewer studies have been made on the topic of somatic practices and the embodied experience within this dance form. The holistic nature of somatic dance renders it a compelling subject in the shaping of individual and collective identities, as well as fostering community among participants. This study endeavours to elucidate the influence of dance on the perception of self and the body, guided by empirical data. By delving into the ritualistic aspects of the dance classes, participants’ progression through liminal stages is examined, shedding light on the transformation of their individual and social identities within the dance space and its reverberations in their broader social spheres. Fieldwork encompassed three months of active participation in weekly dance classes, supplemented by semistructured interviews with three participants and one instructor. By engaging with literature, this dissertation seeks to depict the various factors that come into play within somatic dance classes, and how participants use somatic movement to enhance their wellbeing.