Composition and choreography : critical reflections on perception, body and temporality

Abstract

Seeing as an active endeavour for the choreographer Jana Unmüssig's doctoral research examines studio-based choreographic composition practice that focuses on seeing and visuality from the perspective of the choreographer-director in the context of an expanding notion of dance. Unmüssig highlights the action of seeing, while also considering time as boredom. Seeing is discussed in terms of contemplation and as a way of thinking. Boredom is looked at as a mood; a mood that is fundamental for the composition practice that Unmüssig enquires into, but that can also act as a creative force. Jana Unmüssig picks up on the notion of "The Choreographic", developed by artist and performance scholar Jenn Joy, and to it, adds practice-based reflection on the choreographic from the perspective of the choreographer-director. Unmüssig's research also contributes to phenomenological considerations on seeing and time from the perspective of the choreographic artist.