The Right Unravelling: Exploring The Synthesis of Somatics, Martial Arts and Improvised Dance for Technique and Performance

Abstract

Taking a dialectical and reflective approach as the methodological framework for practice, this research investigates the synthesis of somatic movement practices with other performance based training forms, including martial arts, singing and percussion.

Using essential building blocks of each training modality as tools, the research proposes that as each form is synthesised and enacted through somatic underpinnings, it allows for greater agency, awareness and dynamic 'moment to moment' potential to support choreographic structures, images and poetic narratives arising in improvised performance.