Abstract:
This thesis investigates the trend of dancers losing their ability to access the imagination,
to engage in child-like play, and to connect emotion to dance. In the process of
researching this thesis, the author utilized literature on child development, dance
pedagogy, dance improvisation, and acting improvisation. Throughout the course of this
investigation the author refined the thesis by writing a short research paper on the topic
and by creating an original course dedicated to the rekindling of the dancer’s imagination.
This research culminated in the creation of two pieces of choreography whose process of
creation will be described and reflected upon in this document.
