Music and Dance Theses and Dissertations

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Dance Science and Somatics in Training and Performance
(University of Oregon, 2017-09-06) Andersen, Hannah; Chatfield, Steven
This mixed methods investigation analyzes the effect of a novel somatics training program on dance skills. Fourteen dancers were divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group participated in an eight-week workshop on the use of the spine utilizing sensory experiences, mini-lectures, and dance exercises. During entry and exit, all dancers learned two phrases by video containing the same motor-patterns with contrasting choreographic intents; Phrase A fluid, sustained and slow, Phrase B, dynamically enhanced. Participants performed each phrase for the camera, to be scored by a judging panel. Descriptive statistical analysis of judging data suggests the workshop positively affected their execution of skills in Phrase A, over B. Data reduction and interpretation of the participants’ interviews, questionnaires, and journals yielded several themes. This study has vast implications, suggesting combination of dance science and somatics in dance as efficacious for dancers’ experiences and execution of technical dance skills.