Abstract:
The thesis project, Pause: Reset, was an outdoor dance event that took place at the A.
Linwood Holton, Jr. Plaza at George Mason University’s Fairfax campus on April 22,
2021. The 25-minute work was the culmination of research on the topic of social
connection and its impact on health and well-being. Developed during the global
pandemic Covid-19 in collaboration with the cast of eight George Mason University
School of Dance majors, Pause: Reset arose in response to the unprecedented events of
2020. Though the study’s principle focus was navigating a community centered
choreographic process during Covid-19, other factors that influenced the work included
the United States presidential election, national efforts to dismantle racism and more, as
well as the personal experiences of the cast and choreographer. The project involved
several months of ongoing dialogue and movement research leading to a site-specific
work aimed at portraying the resilient nature of the human spirit and the power of
connection in times of collective uncertainty and challenge.
