Communications in Humanities Research ISSN: 2753-7072
Home> Volumes> Volume CHR Vol.9> Article
Research Article

Method of Physical Action (MPA) in TAO Dance Theater

Dianhuai ShenTaipei National University of the Arts*

* Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

TAO Dance Theater is one of the contemporary dance companies with significant influence in the world. Its individualized and pure physicality prompts viewers to reevaluate and redefine aesthetics. This paper aims to investigate TAO Dance's "Method of Physical Action" which resembles Polish theatre master Grotowski's concept of "art as a vehicle." In other words, TAO Dance Theater achieves a suitable execution of self-constructed performance procedures, penetrating conscious and emotional manipulation under the influence of society and culture. It breaks away from the constraints of everyday life experiences and mainstream dance training, as well as prevailing objectification through visual preconceptions, ultimately achieving the best state of natural externalization through physical action.

Keywords: Method of Physical Action (MPA); TAO Dance Theater; subtraction
Published: October 31, 2023
DOI: 10.54254/2753-7064/9/20231427
Volume: CHR Vol.9
pp. 290-296
Download PDF

References

  1. Zhong, M. D. (2018). MPA Sighs: Tribute to the Master Stanislavski. Taipei: Shulin Publishing House.
  2. Qing, Q. (2013). The Creative Path and Aesthetic Pursuit of Tao Ye. Journal of Beijing Dance Academy, (02), 15-18.
  3. Zhang, Y. J. (2020). Contemporary Dance Art Characteristics and Cultural Connotation of Tao Body Theater. Chinese Literary Criticism, (02), 65-74. DOI:10.19324/j.cnki.zgwypl.2020.02.006.
  4. Jiang, S. D. (2019). "Metaphysical" Body: An Exploration of the Aesthetics of Tao Body Theater. Journal of Beijing Dance Academy, (01), 61-65.
  5. Gao, Y., & Fan, X. (2020). Tao Body: Accumulating Strength for a Decade. Dance, (06), 49-56.
  6. Mu, Y. (2019). "Art Ride" for Ten Years: Tao Body Theater's Simple Body ยท Theater. Art Review, (01), 73-78. DOI:10.16364/j.cnki.cn11-4907/j.2019.01.010.
  7. Zhong, M. D. (2018). Penetrating the Essence of Three Bodies: Revisiting Grotowski's View of the Body. Drama Art, (05), 4-26. DOI:10.13737/j.cnki.ta.2018.05.001.
  8. Tao, Y. (2019). Holding onto This Thought, Already a Decade. Art Review, (01), 68-72. DOI:10.16364/j.cnki.cn11-4907/j.2019.01.009.