The Phenomenology of the Body Schema and Contemporary Dance Practice: The Example of “Gaga”

In recent years, the notion of body schema has been widely discussed, in particular fields connecting philosophy, cognitive science, and dance studies, as it seems to have bearing across disciplines a fruitful way. A main source this literature is Shaun Gallagher’s distinction between schema—the “pre-noetic” conditions bodily performance—and image—the intentional object—, another Merleau-Ponty’s writings on living body, that Gallagher often draws upon. paper, I will first discuss presumed clarification schema–body image, critique by Saint Aubert (2013), who evaluates against backdrop thoughts issue. While believe Aubert’s criticism overshoots mark, useful for analysis points problematic feature, namely alleged inscrutability phenomenological reflection. This particularly interesting relation contemporary performance practice, where working with—and against—habitual structures core element. Certain training techniques are explicitly aimed at raising awareness those aspects condition movement expression—that sees pertaining schema—and ordinary activities remain hidden. order clarify role reflection our own its habitual patterns plays examine language improvisation practice “Gaga,” aspect arguably fundamental.