Spirituality in Aurelia Baumgartner’s Tanzphilosophie

Abstract

Against the background of a non-religious understanding of spirituality in the context of consciousness studies, the article analyses the dance practice, understood as embodied philosophy, of Aurelia Baumgartner. The article considers her inspiration, intuitive collaboration with other artists, the concepts of femininity, beauty, and non-linearity central to her practice and thinking, her biography (in terms of training, a pivotal, life-changing, crossroads she encountered at the age of 14 and her heritage), and cultural and philosophical contextualizations.

Spirituality in Aurelia Baumgartner’s Tanzphilosophie

“…These are overshadowed by schemata that we have developed in order to allow us to orientate ourselves in life. All those schemata exist in order to help us overcome a fear of the unknown: 'the artistic process, as well as deep sleep, allow us to let go to some extent at least of those schemata and safety mechanisms' (Baumgartner 2013).…”

“…This way of collaboration gives rise to very interesting dimensions that are no longer purely one's own. (Baumgartner 2013) In working with others, Baumgartner does not think that there is a hierarchy as such or at least it is not intended. What is true, however, is that she is the engine, the person who has the ideas and wants to put them into action.…”

“…It is a very strong and intensive learning process because he still teaches me repeatedly. (Baumgartner 2013) In the daily rehearsal process, Baumgartner films the improvisation so that she can then look at the material later and edit critically. This allows her the highest level of flexibility and freedom in improvisation.…”

“…The result is that her work is not linear and logical -it is not straightforward from A to B in a narrative way. 'I have to qualify this: in some cases, in some areas I am narrative from A to B but at the same time by overlaying several layers of my work, networks come into existence' (Baumgartner 2013).…”

“…Thus the linear structure which seeks to understand and thus dominate the world is broken up through these additional layers; the result is 'a more modest ego where humans no longer need to consider themselves as the crown of creation in order not to experience fear. This would then be a state of existence where one feels more integrated into and supported by the earth' (Baumgartner 2013).…”