Costume as a somatic tool in dance education: A provocation

Abstract

Somatic dance practice is a much needed accompaniment to any dance training, with many benefits to the students. However, breaking through to a sceptical novice student can be a challenge. And for those who fall willingly into the practice, becoming overly internalized and disconnected to the external can be equally problematic. In response to these issues, the author advocates that costume could be the answer. This visual essay will reflect on the absence of costume in dance education and examine its somatic nature through the analysis of relevant performance works. Evidencing costume’s haptic nature and impact on the performing body, its comparison with somatic dance practice principles will be discussed. Finally, the author suggests a definition of the somatic nature of costume and its recommendation as a tool to support the teaching of somatic practice in dance education.