Rotation is Your Motivation: Phase 3

Abstract

The project explores the relationship between anatomical structure and aesthetic values in dance. Inspired by William Forsythe's work, its title focuses on hip rotation as a catalyst for improvised movement material. This artistic and scientific endeavor delves into the anatomical functionality of the dancing body and its impact on artistic expression. The "Rotation is Your Motivation" research project aims to collect knowledge about the anatomy of the dancing body to open a discussion about the relationship between anatomy and talent and between the scientific and artistic sides of dance. The research project's main topic is to see if there is any difference in anthropometry data between ballet, jazz, and contemporary dancers and find out what causes the differences. A summary of the earlier phases: - Phase 1: Our research evaluated dancers' unique hip joint structure and movement possibilities to determine whether function and aesthetics align with choreographed movement material. The results of our scientific study were intriguing: We found no direct correlation between the geometry of the hip and the ability in hip rotation. In the artistic research phase, we created a beautiful unison material that can never be perfect due to anatomical diversity, making it a unique and fascinating aspect of our research. - Phase 2: We worked with Matthew William Onarhein-Smith, a dance teacher and osteopath, to research other dance-related institutes' monitoring systems and protocols. Our goal was to find systems that could be implemented at Khio. Monitoring an athlete's status is expected in the athletic world and is now being used in some dance training and performing institutions. This monitoring provides essential information such as the athlete's training readiness, risk of injury, and current training load. In the third phase, we will research the anthropometric variations among dancers who practice different dance styles. To develop a holistic approach to dance pedagogy, we must know how training and lifestyle shape the dancer's body. Using measuring devices, we can gain valuable information, adjust training methods, and teach students the consequences of their lifestyle choices. The main question of the research: What are the anthropometrical differences between dancers studying different dance styles? Our previous research found significant bone density, fat content, and muscle mass differences between ballet dancers and contemporary dancers. These are fundamental discoveries because we must find out why there is such a big difference between the styles. It could be the training, but it could also be different lifestyle choices. Besides training, nutrition, recovery techniques, and sleeping habits can also affect how bone, muscle, and fat tissues develop. Sufficient bone density and fat content for dancers are critical. There is a condition called the Female Athlete Triad, which combines disordered eating, amenorrhea, and osteoporosis. This disorder often needs to be recognized. The symptoms of the Female Athlete Triad start with tiredness, loss of sleep, and low appetite. In the long run, it can lead to loss of the monthly cycle, bone density, and mineral content. There is an advanced but easy-to-apply method to determine whether KHIO students have anthropometric differences. The DEXA machine (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) can measure the tissue content of the body. It detects early signs of bone loss, fat loss, and differences in muscle content between the two sides.