Striking chords- Fascial awareness and biotensegrity in dance: how can the tensegrity system theory be used as a model to apprehend the relational realm? / Marie Chabert (2021)

This research works toward a better understanding of the fascial system and how this embodied knowledge has an impact on the way we move and relate to our body, to others, and our surroundings via touch and non-touch dance practices.

More specifically, my thesis focuses on the connective tissues that form the biotensegrity of our body. This bodily system can be seen as an architectural structure encompassing the discontinuous compression elements represented by our bones, floating in continuous tension represented by the fascial web. (Juhan, 2003)

The study investigates further questions in relation to touch and non-touch practices: how are compression and tension forces transmitted within the body? How can they transmit within a group of dancers through touch? Can they be transmitted within a group without any touch?

The following research spans the fields of science, biomechanics, massage therapy, experiential anatomy, contact improvisation, architecture and choreography. I draw from my professional experience as a dancer, choreographer, contact improviser, sports massage therapist, yoga teacher, and bring it in dialogue with recent and groundbreaking literature on fascia.

I initiated a practice as research approach, first exploring by myself and mainly drawing from experiential anatomy (Andrea Olsen, Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen) and Thomas Myers’ work with the Myofascial lines (2021).

Then the research expanded to a relational and inter-corporeal oriented perspective. I worked with a group of eight dancers/researchers via a series of studio-based practices, using Contact Improvisation (Steve Paxton), and experiential anatomy as investigative frameworks.

A live performance of Striking Chords was presented to an audience in July 2021, and an online blog of the process was made available for the general public to read and comment. Both outputs constitute part of the practice as research that support and create the connective tissues between practising and engaging with an audience.

In this thesis, I reflect on the practices developed, as well as the process and sharing of Striking Chords. I analyse the outcomes based on the dancers’ subjective experiences, audience feedback, and my own interpretation of these findings.

The reader can enhance her/his/their experience by navigating their reading between the thesis and the online blog, as well as adding comments. The blog can be accessed on mariechabert.com/research The recording of Striking Chords can be accessed on https://vimeo.com/592101058 (Password: available in the thesis document).