Ghostly Body- The Art of Absence

Course Description

Summary

This course requires no previous dance experience, and is open to anyone who is interested in the art of absence or art that deals with the presence of things we cannot see -- the invisibles, empty space and silence – found across different art forms and practices. We will investigate the potentiality of “in-between space” and “subject-less body,” while introducing some principles of Zen and Buddhist philosophy through somatic/movement practice.  We will consider ghost and horror movies, Japanese Noh Theatre, Bruce Nauman’s artwork, and John Cage’s music scores, among other things, as inspiration to develop new body-based work.  Students are expected to propose and develop new body-based projects, either solo or group, every 2 weeks.  This course will be taught both in-person and remotely in synchronous sessions.