A Place for the Self: Unmasking through Movement / Hannah Lenehan (2025)

In A Place for the Self: Unmasking through Movement, recently diagnosed ADHDer, Hannah Lenehan explores the relationship between masking and movement and the possibility of dance as a tool for active unmasking. The research develops a further understanding of how neurodiverse individuals understand masking, its functions, and its relationship to movement through an online questionnaire. This thesis develops a dance movement practice that supports unmasking through reflective journaling, authentic movement, and sensory curation. The research is contextualized through a literature review that examines neurodivergence, masking, identity, disability activism, mind/body connection, and dance/movement practices. This thesis aims to expand upon inclusive community dance practices and to uplift and spotlight neurodivergent voices. Keywords: neurodivergence; neurodiversity; masking; unmasking; community dance