Dance improvisation as guide in self-study, creative exploration, and empowerment

Abstract

This dissertation demonstrates the initiations, procedure and findings of a practical research project that investigates the role of improvisation as dancers’ guide in self-study, creative exploration and empowerment from a phenomenological viewpoint. It looks closely to two open movement forms that greatly differ within their approaches, namely Authentic Movement and Forsythe Improvisation Technologies. The research was conducted through a composite methodological framework that was built up of theoretical and practical elements. At its conclusion the study shows that open movement forms that invite physical exploration and inquiry outside of pre-set movement sequences – in this case Authentic Movement and Forsythe Improvisation Technologies – carry the potential of being an aid and helpful guide to movers in regards to their sense of self-study, creative exploration, and empowerment. However, there were no significant differences between the results of improvisation practices and more codified movement forms, therefore occurring positive changes can be the results of movement per se and not results of improvisation approaches specifically.