Dance Consciousness: An Investigation into the Nature and Development of Dance Consciousness in Choreography and Performance

The dancer's consciousness is an integral component of choreography and performance, but has been afforded little significant attention within dance theory or practice. This book, therefore, aims to investigate the development of the dancer's consciousness and presents ?The Dance Consciousness Model', a model which allows dancers to access particular conscious states. Through the application of consciousness theory, the book considers the significance of the dance consciousness and investigates its nature. Methods for examining and accessing consciousness are discussed and relevant theories and practices introduced: phenomenological reduction, explicitation session, somatics, sport psychology, visual and verbal processing, attention studies, Buddhist Introspection, Bodyweather. An innovative consciousness training programme comprising practical workshops is presented, alongside instructions for applying the model within choreography and performance. The Dance Consciousness Model is the first of its kind and is intended for application by dancers, choreographers and physical performers in the improvisation, choreography, rehearsal and performance of contemporary dance.

Karla J. Shacklock, BA (Hons), PhD: Studied Dance at University of Leeds. Previously Senior Lecturer in Dance at Bath Spa University and Co-Artistic Director, choreographer and performer for award-winning physical theatre and multimedia company ?Precarious?. Currently a freelance performer, choreographer, lecturer and writer based in London.