Ghostly Body- The Art of Absence (DAN2349.01)

Mina Nishimura

This course requires no previous dance experience, and is open to anyone who is interested in the art of absence or art that deals with the presence of things we cannot see — the invisibles, empty space and silence – found across different art forms and practices.

We will investigate the potentiality of “in-between space” and “subject-less body,” while introducing some principles of Zen philosophy through somatic/movement practice.  We will use ghost and horror movies, Samuel Beckett’s plays and poems, Bruce Nauman’s artworks, and John Cage’s music scores, among other things, as inspiration to develop new body-based works.  Students are expected to propose and present new body-based projects, either solo or group, every 2 weeks. This course will be taught fully in-person combined with occasional remote sessions.


Learning Outcomes:
-Discover your own creative process of developing body-based works with proposed themes
-Cultivate understanding of principles and practices rooted in Eastern philosophy
-Develop new understanding of the presence of absence



Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Corequisites: Dance or Drama lab assignment if students sign up for 4 or more credits in designated dance courses.
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
W 10:00AM - 11:50AM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 18
Course Frequency: Once a year

Categories: 2000 , All courses , Dance , Fully In-Person , Two Credit
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