This thesis explores how we understand and articulate the idea of ‘absorption’ as a necessary aspect of an ‘optimal’ ‘mode of being/doing’ for the performer. By drawing upon pertinent aspects of the fields of phenomenology, consciousness studies, cognitive neuroscience and play theory coupled with Csikszentmihalyi’s notion of ‘flow’, the study develops a lexicon of terminology with which to articulate and understand the nature of ‘absorption’ for the performer in the context of ‘dance theatre’. By developing a focused articulation of the actual nature of ‘absorption’ for the performer in performance, seen as necessary to an ‘optimal’ ‘mode of being/doing’, the study intends to contribute to the language of discourse in this area of performance studies, and, importantly become a useful resource for the enquiring performer and practitioner. Consequently, in developing an understanding of ‘absorption’ for the performer, in order to edge closer to articulating an ‘optimal’ ‘mode of being/doing’ for the performer, the work and actions of the performer remain the focus of the study. The study is anchored in practice through examination of the work of three companies working within the genealogy of ‘dance theatre’. This multi-company approach gives a chronological and genealogical overview of ‘dance theatre’ practices useful in understanding ‘absorption’ for the performer, whilst also facilitating examination of individual points of practice within that overview. The companies profiled are: Pina Bausch, DV8 and Vincent Dance Theatre (VDT). The examination of work by Bausch and DV8 draws upon and reframes extant documentation of performance currently in the public domain. Examination of VDT’s work draws on original footage and interviews undertaken by the researcher during fieldwork.

Cette étude entend proposer une histoire des élèves de la danse de l'Académie de musique au XIXe siècle (1783-1913). À travers l’étude des étapes de la mise en place institutionnelle de cette école émerge l'identité des élèves de la danse comme apprentis danseurs. Au-delà d'une histoire administrative, ce sont bien les conditions socioéconomiques de l’enfance au travail que révèle ce travail de thèse. Des questions économiques relatives à leur formation aux pratiques culturelles de la danse, les élèves de l'Académie de musique sont au coeur de la vie urbaine et théâtrale parisienne du XIXe siècle. Enfin, l’examen de la circulation des danseurs et des pédagogies à l'échelle européenne a permis d’identifier les mécanismes d’un discours de domination culturelle, construit et revendiqué par l'Académie de musique, à l’échelle du monde occidental. / This study aims at introducing a story of the Music Academy ballet students in the 19th century (1783-1913). The ballet students’ identities and their positions as apprentices come to light through the different steps of the institutional setting-up of that Academy. This thesis goes beyond administrative history and unveils the genuine socioeconomic conditions of children at work. For many reasons going from economic issues concerning their training to ballet cultural practises, the Music Academy students are at the heart of urban and theatrical life of XIXth century Paris. Eventually, an analysis of the ballet dancers ‘ freedom of movement and of the different teaching methods in Europe allows to pinpoint the mechanisms of a cultural domination speech, built by the music Academy and claimed to come from it too, throughout the Western world .