Master of Fine Arts

thesisThe Adaptable Body: Cultivating a Hybrid Form From Community, Harmony, and Joy discusses the creative process and theoretical research behind the creative choreographic thesis component "In Tune." A diverse community of dancers collaborated with each other, with different genres of dance, and with multiple musical instrumental sound scores to create a unique harmonic movement style. The dance studio served as the laboratory for incorporating cognitive concepts concerning adaptability into a kinesthetic practice and product. This research promotes the acceptance of both the historical foundations of dance and the creative process to produce future forms, choreography, and possibilities. In the field of dance, dancers, teachers, and creators can draw upon their foundational training, experiences and strengths, and practice adaptability to thrive and innovate in the ever evolving world of dance to reach their goals. Popular and widespread forms of dance, found in Europe and North America, specifically ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and musical theatre, are founded upon codified movements, yet the field of dance continues to expand and evolve. Dancers find new avenues of movement, which author Jeff Boss attributes to adaptability, including finding opportunity when others see failure, demonstrating resourcefulness, forward thinking, and committing to one's values. Using these tools, dancers may create their own unique movement style and aesthetic