| Abstract [eng] |
SUMMARY Title: Body Transformation and the Search of Personal Identity in Dance Movement Therapy for Early Adolescents: Arts-Based Research Research Aim: To explore early adolescents' identity awareness experiences through the creative process of the dance miniature "I Want You to Hear Me" using dance-movement therapy methods. Objectives of the Empirical Part of the Study: 1. To analyze the creative process of the dance miniature "I Want You to Hear Me." 2. To reveal the experiences of the participants – adolescent girls – involved in the dance project of the dance miniature "I Want You to Hear Me." Methodology: Based on a qualitative research strategy, an arts-based research was conducted using methods such as creative process observation and diary analysis, semi-structured interviews, case analysis, and body visualization analysis. Participants: Six girls aged 10-11 who participated in the creation of the dance performance. Conclusions: The analysis of the creative process of the dance miniature "I Want You to Hear Me" highlighted the potential of dance as a means of expression to reveal and aesthetically embody the experiences of adolescent girls. The girls shared how they perceive and feel their bodies and how this affects their identity formation. This process encouraged the participants' self-expression, creativity, and courage to be themselves in dance. The creative collaboration posed challenges and taught decision-making related to the implementation of artistic vision. The overall creative outcome confirmed the importance of the stages of spontaneous improvisational creation and interpretation. Thematic analysis revealed that most adolescents have a negative perception of their bodies, which undermines their self-esteem, decreases their self-confidence, and causes sadness. Adolescents find it difficult to accept the bodily changes occurring during adolescence, and external evaluations and comparisons with other girls significantly influence this process. Talking about such negative thoughts and feelings is uncomfortable, shy, or shameful for adolescents. However, nonverbally representing memories of childhood games, friendships and betrayals, disagreements with parents or teachers through dance-movement allowed the girls to accept and express their experiences and verbalize and become aware of the changes they are undergoing. Keywords: Dance-movement therapy, arts-based research, early adolescents, identity. |
