The phenomenon of the distributed creative process in making a dance

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 56-59)Though the field of creativity research is dense, little has been done with regards to the creative process of dance, especially with the focus on collaboration within it. The purpose of this study was to understand the distributed creative process in the making of a new dance work. A phenomenological, qualitative approach was used to understand the experiences of five members of Dreams cape Dance Theater in the making of a new work, "Temple of Sweat." Four of the participants were dancers, while I, the choreographer, dancer and researcher acted as a participant-observer. Data was collected from multiple sources, including the participants' weekly journals reflecting on this creative process as well as video footage that was taken intermittently throughout the five month journey. All data was coded for individual meaning units and group emergent themes. The following themes emerged from analysis: 1) methods of development, 2) group cohesion, 3) effect of individual characteristics, 4) modes of communication, and 5) role of music in the creative process. All five of these themes were seen as having an effect on the designing and shaping of the dance