The key theme I felt from the second Discussion Group today was around the idea of 'Frameworks'.
Through discussions of research approaches the conversations moved between the need to 'prove' something through our research (positivist stance) and accepting the exploration, not in the search for truth but in the presence of the moment of inquiry (non-positivist). We talked about embodied knowledge and the often problematic nature of communicating this articulately in other (written / verbal) forms. We didn't reach any concrete answers (GREAT!!) and generally we all had more questions open up for us than we came to the discussion with (EVEN BETTER!!).
Adesola and I explained that this MA programme is coming from a non-positivist stance, which sees space for multiple realities, rather than seeking a singular response or proving of a hypothesis. This is a different approach to more traditional 'scientific' approaches to research which favour a right/wrong approach through the gathering of empirical data in order to prove something right or wrong.
In our individual and collective research, in our approaches to the world ,we lean on phenomenological-pragmatist philosophies as frameworks for structuring and shaping how we communicate and articulate our experiences.
Below is an excerpt from an introductory paper I have written, positioning my research into improvised practice in dance. I'm sharing this with you not as a 'how to do it' 'this is what a framework is', but as an example of beginning to articulate a methodological stance to a research inquiry.
'I am interested in interrogating the practice of improvisation
through the philosophies of Heidegger and Gendlin. Both resonate for me
with experiential knowing and offer progressive lenses through which to address
embodiment as a process of 'being' (Gendlin, 1997, Heidegger 1953, 2010).
I see embodiment as an interweaving of physical experience, sensation and
reflective thought, and aim to articulate the idea that knowledge is
somatic—that is, gained through the body’s sensation or connection with the
experiences of the world (Sullivan 2001). While I acknowledge that there
may be times where emphasis will shift more to discussions of ‘this’ or ‘that’
('practice' or 'performance') it is important to me not to separate things as
singular happenings as if dislocated from each other but rather to view them
through the embodied stance of ‘preseparated multiplicity’ (Gendlin, 1997, in
Todres, 2007:21). Locating myself through this web of practice I aim to
open a pathway to discuss improvisation as a methodology for
being-through-moving. I draw on my understanding and practice of the work of
Irmgard Bartenieff (Bartenieff Fundamentals) as a framework for articulating
this. Through movement, following Bartenieff’s belief in ‘efficient
movement – efficient being’ (cited in Hackney 2002), I am situating my
improvisational dance practice as a methodological practice-as-research;
positioning the movement practice of Bartenieff Fundamentals as a rhizome of
philosophical thought and experiential knowing which feeds and
is fed through my improvisatory performance practice'.
(Kindred, H. 2016)
I'm interested in your thoughts on this and other frameworks...
What is 'holding' your space for learning?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteIts a pleasure reading your excerpt Helen. So much to learn from everywhere,very invigorating !!
I am glad that in our individual and collective research, we choose our own framework depending of our context and where we come from. I, as an Indian Classical dancer find my framework within my tradition, culture and religious practices because all these are inseparable from our life.The theories of practice has been inherited from generations of 'Gurus' in a holistic way in the form of texts, ancient wisdom,treatises, and sacred books. Thus, my position in improving practice lies in exploring mind body consciousness and how they are connected through common thread called 'dance'.
Hello, it is true that I have only one week in this MA programme, but already I feel that I broaden my horizons through discussion and posts. I begin to think more globally, and I am going to understand myself not only as a teacher but also as a human. I agree that it is important that every works in its own frame because through this process is given the opportunity to each other to develop not only its structure but also to take a look at others thoughts and cultures that maybe never think that they exist. I think dance is not just art. dance for me is a way to express your feelings, a way to say your opinion, a way to communicate with others. Dance is the way you act, and you live, is the philosophy of your lifestyle. I plan to research and work on this idea. My frame will be how can a thought, a feeling or an idea transform in a move.
ReplyDeleteHi, thanks so much for your post and sharing an excerpt of your inquiry work. This first week for me was all about realising how, unconsciously, theory and practice are kept in two very separate "drawers" in my mind. Reading your blog gives me another perspective on it and will hopefully add on trying explore how theory and practice interweave and feed off each other.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Helen.
ReplyDeleteThat (my) space to learn is 'held' (up) or 'witheld' through fear, I think. Perhaps, in my space to learning more - I am afraid to learn that there are things I do not know , not realising that what I do not know can provoke me to learn more and thus furthering my path to gaining more knowledge. It is so much easier to 'hold' onto what I believe I know.
On the other hand, I am 'holding' my space for more learning - as I discover possibilities of not knowing and of the unknown. The exhilaration (though frightening), of multiple possibilities. In so many ways, that can be related to dance. As you mentioned, when we dance, we experience different sensations, both physically and mentally. In Adesola's thesis, we all approach differently how we execute a pirouette. She (Adesola) teaches a technique and a set of procedures that include different elements that the student can draw on whenever they attempt to do so. So many different ways in the technique to executing a pirouette. A non-positivist approach??
I like that we work within a framework. It gives me a sort of boundaries and parameters. But within that framework, I can choose my own, stay with that framework, work within that framework, or even work away from that framework. But importantly, always knowing what that framework is and consists of. As quoted from Alexander MacQueen - 'you've got to know the rules to break them'.
Hello, it is very helpful reading your excerpt of inquiry. In this first week and especially during the first meeting I had the opportunity to clarify specific subjects and listening to different perspectives. I believe that creating a framework ,that combines research and practice, will be an easier task through time as we delve into the Module 1 in the forthcoming weeks and meetings. My blog is : https://elizabethlintzerakou.blogspot.gr
ReplyDeleteIf pre-separated multiplicity occurs/exists naturally, then is movement framework not learned? And does that mean movement happens reflexively without thought? And pushing my questions a bit further why would movement enhance cognitive and motor skills in children, adults, and persons without special needs? Is that a form or reclaiming multiplicity in its most basic of senses?
ReplyDeleteMuch to think about as I find I use far more improvisation tools when teaching ballet than I had realized even twelve months ago. And modern classes are far more ordered and structured. I wander if this is my mind's way of naturally altering perceptions of framework for teaching and movement.
Does one set of guidelines or technical requirements relate to all forms of movement? Do we change how we teach or base our technique on inborn actions and reactions or on learned behavior and alterations to naturally occurring movement? Or do our bodies' naturally occurring limitations automatically alter how we learn movement and thought? When does instinct begin and end?
Very nice your blog and article. I like this blog thank for sharing.
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