the force of gravity is more palpable on some days than on others / Michaela Gerussi (2021)

This thesis describes the author’s multi-modal artistic Practice as Research (PaR) which inquires into the complexities of how we sense ourselves. Through embodied and reflective approaches, it considers affect and self-regulation of the nervous system as they intersect with her improvised dance-making practice. It follows a methodology which uses primarily somatic selfreflexivity in movement and stillness, and which generates further open questions rather than searching for conclusive answers. The researcher uses a subjective positionality to integrate insights from her dance practice with related concepts explored in the fields of affective neuroscience, Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy and other somatic therapy modalities. A significant outcome which has emerged out of the research practice is ‘The Protocol,’ an expanded preparatory process and multi-staged score. With a particular attention to the nervous system, The Protocol acts as a framework within which to investigate the research inquiry from a subjective, experiential perspective.

Keywords: scores, self-regulation, affect, felt-sense, improvisation, dance-making