Choreographing a Journey of Self-Discovery: An Exploration of Dance, Embodied Knowledge, and Identity

Author

Francie Johnson-Sealey, The Graduate Center, City University of New YorkFollow

Date of Degree

6-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Program

Urban Education

Advisor

Konstantinos Alexakos

Committee Members

Beth Ferholt

Gene Fellner

Subject Categories

Education

Keywords

Embodied Knowledge, Identity, Dance

Abstract

This dissertation constitutes a voyage of self-discovery and reconciliation with my identity as an African American female dance educator. Struggling with self-acceptance and confidence, my life seemed to be in a perpetual state of crisis. Behind a façade of happiness lay buried pain stemming from internalized racism and misplaced resentment that I still carry. Unable to persist in a state of confusion, I embark on a journey of mindful introspection to uncover the origins of my emotional turmoil and to heal. Movement becomes a crucial channel for unearthing sources of anxiety and learning to navigate these emotions. Running, jumping, twisting my arms through the air, rippling through my torso, while feeling the pulsating rhythm of the music reverberating in my body makes me feel alive and at peace. My research utilizes dance as a medium for exploring my emotions related to identity and how they are shaped by the broader society.

The overarching reflective frameworks employed in this research encompass authentic inquiry, narrative inquiry, and embodied knowledge. These tools of introspection involve examining the impact of one’s actions, understanding the influence shaping those decisions, exploring one’s emotional responses to experiences, and determining the subsequent course of action. This reflective cycle constitutes the foundation of my research process as I endeavor to comprehend how individuals, including myself, can enhance our self-perception and facilitate similar transformations in those around us. The notion that through embodied knowledge, the body and movement possess the ability to process information, express thoughts, and represent communal ideas underpins my research. This study leverages embodied knowledge, reflection, and the flexibility of stories and memory to transform negative narratives into positive ones.

This dissertation contains manuscript-style chapters, some of which have been published, that can be read independently or collectively. It integrates ethnography, authentic inquiry, arts-based research, and narrative inquiry to explore my journey of self-acceptance and healing. The initial section sheds light on the impact of trauma on the Black community stemming from racial discrimination, while the subsequent examines my path of self-discovery and identity redefinition through movement, and facilitates similar experiences in others. The chapters of this work explore the relationship between dance, embodied knowledge, and identity within the context of individuals and communities as they strive to define and transform themselves. Various issues such as mental health, healing, death and disenfranchised grief, racism, and sexism are scrutinized for their influence on the mental and physical development of self-perception. I include an educational framework that I construct based on my reflections entitled, “Identity Exploration Through Embodied Learning,” which provides a structured approach to utilizing embodied knowledge in exploring future topics and their connection to identity.

My work is the culmination of thoughtful reflection and research aimed at producing a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between dance and identity exploration. I assert that the arts serve as sources of scholarly inquiry and utilize performed dance works as evidence to support its argument. It underscores the significance of dance as a research medium, a method for gaining insight into our innermost thoughts and emotions, and as a catalyst for shaping and preserving identity. Through embodied knowledge, the body becomes a vessel for anchoring our self-image amidst the fluid nature of identity. Movement serves as a vehicle for consciously shaping and evolving the self despite adversity. It is my aspiration that others may draw lessons from my journey toward empowerment and become the best version of themselves.

Recommended Citation

Johnson-Sealey, Francie, "Choreographing a Journey of Self-Discovery: An Exploration of Dance, Embodied Knowledge, and Identity" (2024). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/5773