Somatic ethnographic research: A choreographic process informed by Alexander Technique
I write from the perspective of a dance artist interested in reflecting on and sharing my experiences of applying the Alexander Technique (AT) to a choreographic process. The inquiry was framed by dance ethnography, and I choreographed, danced, interviewed and performed with emerging to established dance artists specializing in Contact Improvisation, and interviewed and participated in lessons and workshops with AT teachers. During each phase of the research, I asked: why and how does AT guide me to embody my practice as a choreographer and dancer? This self-ethnographic research outlines an AT-inspired dance methodology using a systematic somatic process to enhance physical, mental and emotional coordination for choreographers and dancers. I propose that AT expanded my attention moment-to-moment to develop my choreographic intentions and desires.