DEIXIS
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The project interwove cognitive scientific theories and methodologies into a performative research setting to examine the efficacies of communicating emotion experiences. I was specifically exploring the triadic exchange between choreographer to dancer, and dancer to the audience.
The triadic exchange had two phases:
PHASE 1: Mindful Movers Intensive - Choreographer to Dancer
The experiment took the form of a 2-week intensive in which we choreographed the same piece, but onto two separate groups of dancers with two differing choreographic approaches:
Group 1 worked with a newly developed nonverbal choreographic technique.
Group 2 worked with usual verbal forms of communication.
I then compared how well the two groups could decipher the three specific emotions we, (the choreographers) intended for the piece to elicit using a collection of behavioral study approaches.
PHASE 2: DEIXIS - Dancer to Audience
The dancers then performed the piece for an audience to examine if the efficacies of communicating intended emotions varied depending upon the choreographic technique. I then compared this relationship using various behavioral study approaches.
In addition to the behavioral perspective, I was also able to take an empirical lens. Through the use of the Near-Infrared Spectrometer (fNIRS), I was able to neurological investigate the efficacies of communicating emotion experiences, examining the implications of dance as a naturally empathic communicative tool.
Thesis Project
Fine Arts Academy and University of Vienna
Wien, AT
2017-2019
Check out the preview of the film HERE