AUT University, Senior Lecturer dance, Research Leader Bachelor of Dance
What is it about?
In this practical creative dance workshop the belief that research process Ôneeds to be made more explicit and visible for all studentsÕ (Zubrick et al, 2001, p. 226) underpins the working relationships between participants and facilitator. This workshop is based on the theory and practice of early dance education pioneer Rudolf Laban as a means to explore the choreographic research process as a personal and collective experience, creating a community of discovery. LabanÕs terms and concepts are in use internationally Ôalthough the source is rarely mentionedÕ (Lepczyk, 2009, p. 4), and in this workshop they will be used to both historicise and drive creative choreographic process. Theorising is experienced as interpretive practice that Ôentails the practical activity of engaging with the world and of constructing abstract understandings about and within itÕ (Charmaz, 2006, p. 128).
Why is it important?
ÔThe interrelationship between teaching and research is recognised as basic to higher education, but can present a challenging balancing act for lecturers who are trying to fulfil the needs of their students alongside research requirementsÕ (Ashley, 2007, p. 113). This workshop is important because it allows participants to experience the potential that dance research has to bridge artistic practice, critical reflection and academic learning. I suggest that the relationships between students, colleagues and artistic research practice can establish an Ôintangible nexusÕ (Neumann, 1988) that emanates from the subtle and diffuse links conveyed by an active researcher. Grounded Ôin the practical detailsÕ (Zubrick, Reid & Rossiter, 2001, p. 5) of personal, academic and artistic practices, this paper depicts the teaching-research nexus as a mutually beneficial synergy that develops between students and staff during teaching, learning and research process.
How the session will run
This practical dance workshop is for anyone dancers and non-dancers alike. It is about experiencing dancing and thinking and researching simultaneously as creative activities. I would like to encourage novices to experience the dance studio as a safe, inclusive, constructivist and creative learning environment. In the practical activities, participants will experience simultaneously research process, creative learning, my pedagogical approach and some enjoyable exercise. There will be closing discussion and paper copies of the sessionÕs underpinning theory and the practical exercises.
Ashley, L. (2007). The Youthanasia of dance: A research nexus diary of dance in tertiary education. Waikato Journal of Education, 13, 103 – 122.
Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing grounded theory: A practical guide through qualitative analysis. London: Sage.
Lepczyk, B. (2009). Celebrating the Laban legacy. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 80(5), 4 - 5.
Neumann, R. (1992). Perceptions of the teaching-research nexus: A framework for analysis. [Electronic version]. Higher Education, 23(2), 159 - 171.
Zubrick, A., Reid, I., & Rossiter, P. (2001). Strengthening the nexus between teaching and research. DETYA No. 6499 HERCOOA. Canberra: Evaluations and Investigations. Programme Higher Division. Retrieved March 19, 2006, from http://.dest.gov.au/sectors/higher_education/publications_resources/Profiles/archives/strengthening_the_nexus_between_teaching_and_research.html
Linda Ashley (M.A. University of London): Senior Dance Lecturer and Research Stream Leader at AUT University, School of Sport and Recreation, New Zealand. Linda has extensive academic, choreographic and performing experience in dance, and is currently nearing completion of doctorate studies at The University of Auckland. In 2009 Linda was awarded the AUT University Vice ChancellorÕs Excellence Award for Teaching.
Linda has been writing about dance since 1996 and she has written three internationally selling books Dance Sense (Northcote House Publishers, 2nd ed., 2005), Essential Guide to Dance (3rd ed., Hodder & Stoughton, 2008) and Dance Theory & Practice for Teachers: Physical and performing skills, (Essential Resources, 2005). She completed the New Zealand Ministry of Education curriculum materials development contract to produce the video Dancing the Long White Cloud in 2002.
Research interests: choreographic process; dance education; cross cultural understandings in dance; dance and ageing. Linda is involved in ongoing research on an auto-narrative entitled The Youthanasia of Dance, which occasionally takes to the stage as a dance performance lecture. Recent work also includes working with Dr Justin KeoghÕs research team on a SPARC funded inquiry, ÔPhysical benefits of dancing for older adultsÕ.
Linda has presented her research at forums including the World Dance Alliance (Toronto, 2006, Brisbane, 2008) and the Laban Centre London (2009). Linda is Research officer for the Tertiary Dance Educators Network New Zealand Aotearoa.