Thomas Talawa Prestø
Introduction
In my research, I aim to forge new paths within Africana dance studies by integrating unique theoretical frameworks and terminologies that provide a richer, more nuanced understanding of Africana dance and performance practices. This work moves beyond traditional academic constraints, embracing an artistic and decolonial approach to scholarship. It seeks to explore the intricate layers of Africana dance through innovative concepts that highlight the interplay between rhythm, spirituality, and cultural identity.
Research Objectives
- To Develop and Implement the Talawa Technique Framework: The Talawa Technique, comprising the T.A.P.A (Talawa Authentic Performance Artistry) framework and the concept of the mythotechnical animal, is a comprehensive approach to understanding and teaching Africana dance forms. It prioritizes authenticity, cultural integrity, and the dynamic relationship between performer and audience, aiming to preserve and elevate Africana dance traditions.
- To Investigate the Concept of Rhythmic Entrainer: This concept identifies the lead dancer or musician who synchronizes the ensemble, creating cohesion and driving the performance’s rhythmic flow. This research will delve into how rhythmic entrainers operate within various Africana dance forms and their impact on group dynamics and performance quality.
- To Explore the Practice of “Arriving on Action”: “Arriving on Action” is a technique that emphasizes the precise moment of engagement in dance, ensuring that movements are impactful and resonate with the audience. This research will explore how this practice enhances the performative and communicative aspects of Africana dance.
- To Expand on AfriCognoSomatics and Embodied Research Practices: Building on the integration of cognition and somatic experiences, this research will explore how AfriCognoSomatics and embodied research practices can be applied across different Africana dance practices to enhance both performance and pedagogy.
- To Apply the Principles of Afritectonic Artistic Research: This approach involves studying deep ethnic cultures and how their artistic expressions are formed and transformed by internal forces. By applying this methodology, my research aims to uncover the underlying cultural, historical, and cosmological factors that shape Africana dance practices.
Key Concepts and Their Impact
- Talawa Technique:
- T.A.P.A (Talawa Authentic Performance Artistry): The T.A.P.A framework emphasizes authentic representation and cultural integrity in Africana dance. By focusing on performance artistry that remains true to its roots, T.A.P.A promotes a deeper appreciation and understanding of Africana dance forms, ensuring their preservation and continued evolution.
- Mythotechnical Animal: The mythotechnical animal represents a fusion of mythological and technological elements within the Talawa Technique. This research will explore how this symbolic entity influences artistic creation and performance, offering new insights into the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation in Africana dance.
- Rhythmic Entrainer: The concept of the rhythmic entrainer highlights the essential role of the lead dancer or musician in synchronizing and harmonizing the ensemble. This research will explore how rhythmic entrainers facilitate seamless transitions and maintain the energy and flow of performances, emphasizing their critical role in both traditional and contemporary Africana dance.
- Arriving on Action: This practice emphasizes the precise moment of engagement in dance, ensuring that movements are impactful and resonate with the audience. By focusing on the timing and intensity of actions, “Arriving on Action” enhances the performative and communicative aspects of Africana dance, making each movement meaningful and connected to the audience.
- AfriCognoSomatics and Embodied Research Practices: This integrated approach bridges the gap between cognitive processes and somatic experiences within Africana dance. By applying AfriCognoSomatics and embodied research practices, dancers and educators can enhance their understanding of the interconnectedness between mind and body, leading to more holistic and effective teaching and performance practices.
- Afritectonic Artistic Research: This methodology involves studying deep ethnic cultures and how their artistic expressions are formed and transformed by internal forces. By applying Afritectonic Artistic Research, my work aims to uncover the cultural, historical, and cosmological factors that shape Africana dance practices, providing a deeper understanding of their origins and evolution.
Methodological Innovations
- Ethnotectonic Artistic Research: This approach involves studying deep ethnic cultures and how their artistic expressions are formed and transformed by internal forces. By applying this methodology, my research aims to uncover the underlying cultural, historical, and cosmological factors that shape Africana dance practices.
- AfriCognoSomatic Dance Praxis and Embodied Research Practices: This praxis integrates African heritage, history, and philosophy into dance, focusing on the interaction between bodily movements and cognitive processes. It offers a unique methodological approach that prioritizes embodied knowledge and cultural specificity.
Practical Applications
- For Dancers: The introduction of the Talawa Technique and the concept of the rhythmic entrainer offers dancers new tools for enhancing their performance and understanding of Africana dance. These concepts emphasize the importance of authenticity, cultural integrity, and rhythmic synchronization, providing dancers with a deeper connection to their art form.
- For Musicians/Percussionists: Musicians and percussionists can benefit from the concept of the rhythmic entrainer by gaining a better understanding of their role in synchronizing and driving the performance. This knowledge can enhance their ability to create cohesive and dynamic musical compositions that complement and elevate the dance.
- For African Dance Scholars: The development of new theoretical frameworks and methodologies, such as AfriCognoSomatics and ethnotectonic artistic research, provides scholars with innovative tools for studying and analyzing Africana dance. These approaches prioritize cultural specificity and embodied knowledge, offering richer, more nuanced insights into Africana dance practices.
- For Choreographers: Choreographers can use the Talawa Technique and the mythotechnical animal concept to inspire and inform their creative processes. These tools offer new ways of thinking about choreography, emphasizing the importance of cultural integrity, rhythmic synchronization, and the dynamic interplay between tradition and innovation.
Institutional Impact
- For Institutions and Conservatories: The introduction of these new theoretical frameworks and methodologies can help institutions and conservatories to develop more culturally responsive and inclusive curricula. By incorporating concepts like T.A.P.A and AfriCognoSomatics, these institutions can provide students with a deeper understanding of Africana dance and its cultural significance.
- Potential for Multiple Academic Papers: The innovative concepts and methodologies developed through this research have the potential to generate multiple academic papers, contributing to the ongoing discourse in Africana dance studies. These papers can offer new insights into the cultural, historical, and cosmological factors that shape Africana dance, enriching the field with fresh perspectives.
- Contribution to an Undertheorized Field: This research represents a significant contribution to the field of Africana dance studies, which has been historically undertheorized. By introducing new terminologies and methodologies, this work helps to fill critical gaps in the literature, offering a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Africana dance practices.
Conclusion
My research aims to redefine and expand the understanding of Africana dance practices through the introduction of unique terminologies and methodologies that capture the essence of these rich cultural expressions. By embracing an artistic and decolonial approach to scholarship, this work challenges conventional academic boundaries and offers new ways of thinking about Africana dance. Through the development of innovative concepts like the Talawa Technique, AfriCognoSomatics, and the rhythmic entrainer, my research provides dancers, musicians, scholars, and institutions with new tools for understanding and engaging with Africana dance, ensuring its preservation and continued evolution.