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Dance Improvisation: The Process is Itself
Yingying Li
International Journal of Mathematics and Systems Science 2024, 7(3); https://doi.org/10.18686/ijmss.v7i3.5065
Submitted:06 Mar 2024
Accepted:06 Mar 2024
Published:06 Mar 2024
Abstract
According to the definition of International Encyclopedia Of Dance “Dance improvisation can be defined as the spontaneous exploration of human movement possibilities. It is an important element in performance dance,as well as in ritual,social,educational, and therapeutic dance. ”In the realm of dance art, improvisational dance is considered a unique and highly creative form of expression, where the essence lies in the process of creation itself becoming the dance. This form transcends the confines of traditional dance, emphasizing the dancer’s freedom to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas in real-time creation. Tracing back to the 1960s, the counterculture movement in the United States laid the foundation for improvisational dance. The experimental dance techniques of Merce Cunningham and John Cage profoundly influenced subsequent developments in dance art, inspiring dancers to break free from traditional dance paradigms. Concurrently, Robert Dunn’s teaching methodology further deepened the understanding of creative exploration, seamlessly integrating the improvisational dance’s creative process with its performance.
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