Places we call home: Representing place and identity in contemporary dance performance

Abstract

In this article, I discuss ongoing research investigating methods of representing place and identity in contemporary dance performance. A feminist and phenomenological perspective provides the basis for this creative practice as research, in which I bring environmental concerns, moving images, choreographic and place-based pedagogical practices into dialogue with autoethnographic approaches. Initially I developed a range of creative methods in creating a solo dance, and then applied these methods to the development of a trio dance work titled Places we call home. Guiding the research was a general question regarding experiences of “place” and “home,” with sub-questions relating to the use of embodied and narrative methods and moving images to express sensory experiences. Both the solo and trio dances were presented in a theatre to conference and public audiences. I will discuss the practical application of these creative practice research methods, the lived experiences of the dancers and myself as choreographer, and the outcomes of the research in response to the research questions. This discussion provides a context to contribute to interdisciplinary methodological innovations in creative practice as research, and also to current socio-cultural discussion relating to identity and sense of place.