Be Apart or Be A Part : An Exploration of the Circle Dance Form as a Means for Human Connection and Healing
Date of Award
5-2022
Document Type
MSU-Only Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
College/School
College of the Arts
Department/Program
Theatre and Dance
Thesis Sponsor/Dissertation Chair/Project Chair
Christian von Howard
Committee Member
Laurie Abramson
Committee Member
Lauren Grant
Abstract
When human beings dance side by side in unison, participants often experience a sense of community, connection, and healing. Specifically, the circle dance form crosses cultures, extends beyond generations, and brings unity to a community by eliminating the need for social hierarchies. Circle dances occur to mark special occasions and are a valued element in most dance forms. Participants who are unfamiliar with dance can feel a part of the group because of the simple movement patterns and structures that make the circle dance accessible for all. This thesis utilizes the circle dance form as a tool to foster greater confidence in untrained dancers, to generate new movements reflective of shared humanity, and to explore the healing and connection that is offered through the physical act of joining in a circle.
File Format
MP4
Recommended Citation
White, Stephanie R., "Be Apart or Be A Part : An Exploration of the Circle Dance Form as a Means for Human Connection and Healing" (2022). Theses, Dissertations and Culminating Projects. 1043.
https://digitalcommons.montclair.edu/etd/1043
PDF file of written thesis
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Comments
The performance video is restricted to the Montclair State University community but the PDF file of the thesis, which is located at the bottom of the screen, is available to anyone interested in reading it.