DEIXIS

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