Working Towards Total Presence Through Awareness: The IAP
In partial fulfillment for the degree of Master of Arts in Dance Performance, this thesis marks the completion of my year with Transitions Dance Company. It pulls from experiences not only from tour, but those prior to and after. As the IAP promotes, this work is constantly becoming - always open to new resonances and changes. Please feel free to email any feedback, thoughts, and personal resonances.
ABSTRACT/
In response to the commercial consumption of dance, this thesis highlights the emergent Self as integral to authentically communicating through movement. Integrative Authentic Performance (the IAP) is the result of a synthesis of Authentic Movement practice, Integrative Performance Practice, and Klein Technique™. The goal of the IAP is to work towards total presence through awareness. The questions asked were: What does it take to gain total presence in the performance environment? How can we test this preparation while staying true to our emergent Self? The IAP was theoretically developed over seven months and put into practice in a one-month intensive studio session with four dancers (author included). It culminated in a lecture demonstration that presented practice followed by theory. The IAP works to add fleshy layers to Authentic Movement’s emergent Self in order for that Self to be applied to not only performance, but the creative process. It provides specific tools for letting go of all judgment to allow the greatest freedom in listening to and acting on the body’s impulses. This is the first step in creating a foundational practice that will aid the performer to more confidently offer material in the creative process and enter any performance - set or improvised. It is a step toward knowing how they can connect to what their body has to offer at that time and place.
-Dalton Alexander Valerio
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