Year of Graduation
2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MFA: Dance
Directing Professor
Jeffery N. Bullock
Abstract
Researcher Elizabeth Becker uses personal experiences of pregnancy alongside scholarly research on the developmental movement patterns of the human embryo, fetus, and newborn’s first year of life to explore the multiplicity of these movement patterns within and outside the womb. Becker explores the relationship between the fertilization, germinal, embryonic, and fetal stages in relation to a newborn and its mother. These movement patterns within the beginning stages of life are valuable to research because they simulate neurodevelopmental patterns, which help wire the central nervous system in early childhood. These movements also help lay the foundation for sensory-motor development and life-long learning. Using contemporary dance performance as a medium, Becker creatively manifests her research while exploring how a somatic practice, such as Body-Mind Centering and dance performance by the mother, may contribute to movement in the womb.
Recommended Citation
Becker, Elizabeth, "BeginnINgs" (2022). Dance (MFA) Theses, Hollins University. 16.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/dancetheses/16
Performance Access Statement
If you wish to see the creative piece or performance that accompanied this thesis, please complete the Request Form, and you should receive a response from the Dance Department within two weeks.
Included in
Art Education Commons, Behavioral Neurobiology Commons, Cognitive Neuroscience Commons, Cognitive Science Commons, Dance Commons, Developmental Biology Commons, Developmental Neuroscience Commons, Development Studies Commons, Early Childhood Education Commons, Exercise Science Commons, Fine Arts Commons, Motor Control Commons, Other Cell and Developmental Biology Commons, Other Kinesiology Commons