The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of integrating the practice of imaging into dance training. Three skill components were identified which comprise the objective of imaging practices for dancers: a highly developed physical capacity for skilled movement; a well developed psychological makeup; an ability to become transformed. The design of a methodology integrating the elements of the skill components in dynamic relationships through imaging practices is investigated in various class and workshop situations. Definitions of the elements within this design are derived from the principal theories currently practiced in the fields of dance and body techniques, wholistic and psychosomatic health practices, and sports psychology. Creation and retention of plasticity in the developmental dynamic of the skill components emerges as an essential integrating factor within imaging practices. Increases in students' movement skills, concentration spans, and liveliness during performance are significant subjective results of integrating imaging practices in dance training.

Doctorat en sciences psychologiques / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

August Diamond is left lost after the sudden death of her father. The stories in Dance Lessons explore the themes of loss and grief, retreat and return, and finding your true self. The collection is a novel in stories, each story exposing another layer of August's past, her family, and their complicated relationships.

This study is exploratory in nature. The material was highly individualistic and subjective, so I have deviated from the traditional empirical research approach. My purpose is to grasp what kind of person was attracted to attending a dance workshop. How does Halprin’s use of dance assist people in learning about themselves? What kinds of information do people learn about themselves through her dance process? What techniques does Halprin combine with the medium of dance to get results? Are people enhanced, or better integrated by the Halprin process? Finally, my intention was to be stimulated by the Halprin process to explore possible uses of dance in combination with my traditional psychodynamic, verbal approach to social casework.