Unconscious Entrainment: Investigating the relationship between movement, music, and the brain Public

Abstract

Inspired by the intersection of dance and neuroscience, I researched the neurological processes behind the phenomenon of when certain music makes humans want to move. This instinct to dance can be found in universal head bopping, foot tapping, hand clapping, or body swaying. Entrainment occurs naturally and unconsciously as our bodies synchronize with biological and external rhythms. The phenomenon of coordinating physical movements to sounds has remained one of the strongest behaviors uniting humans through natural selection. In collaboration with my dancers, I created a movement work exploring entrainment. Through academic, choreographic, and performance research, this project investigates the relationships between movement, music, and the brain.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION -1

Inspiration -1

Neuroscience and Dance - 2

Methodology - 4

MOVEMENT GENERATION - 6

Cast - 6

Sequences of Movement - 8 

PRODUCTION ELEMENTS - 14

Music -14

Costumes - 16

Lighting -17    

CONCLUSION - 18

Audience Feedback - 18

Dancer Feedback - 19

Process and Outcome - 21

APPENDICES - 23

Appendix A: Group Rehearsal Schedule - 23

Appendix B: Select Rehearsal Plans and Notes - 24

Appendix C: Rehearsal and Concert Photos - 27 

Appendix D: Promotional Materials - 31 

Appendix E: Concert Program - 32

Bibliography - 32

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement

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School	Emory College
Department	Dance and Movement Studies
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Music Dance Biology, Neuroscience
Mot-clé	rhythm music dance neuroscience movement brain
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Julio Medina, Emory University
Committee Members	George Staib , Emory University Dr. Hillary Rodman , Emory University

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