Re-Choreographing Cortical & Cartographic Maps: Going West to Find East Going East to Find West

A transdisciplinary approach to practice-as-research, incorporating ethnographic methodology and four multi-year performance research projects, argues that human beings are cognitively embodied through their experiences of movement through space and time. The book explores how the brain organizes these experiences into cartographic and cortical maps, and how performance can reclaim knowledge in the body and spaces. It is aimed at Dance and Performance Studies scholars, dancers, choreographers, undergraduate and advanced students, and researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: Intellect Books

A transdisciplinary approach to practice-as-research, encompassing its own intricate theory of practice and a series of four multi-year-performance research projects through which the theory is put to the test. Its methodology, at times, takes an ethnographic approach, as Henry Daniel skillfully inserts himself and his Caribbean West African ancestry into a series of complex cortical and geographic maps, which ultimately take on a choreographic quality in every sense of the word.

At the heart of the book lies a central argument that posits human beings as cognitively embodied entities, with their lived experiences of movement through space and time serving as the foundation for their cognitive faculties. The spaces we inhabit and the practices we engage in are meticulously documented through cortical and cartographic maps, serving as tangible evidence of our cognitive and spatial organization. In essence, as we navigate and traverse the spaces around us, our brains create unique cortical and spatial maps that shape our perception and interpretation of the world. These maps not only influence how we see and interact with the world but also play a crucial role in shaping our identity and subjectivity.

The book's argument revolves around the notion that through performance, we can reclaim and re-member the knowledge that exists both within our bodies and the spaces through which we travel. Performance acts as a re-cognizing and re-membering of these movements, allowing us to access and harness the embodied knowledge that is often overlooked or marginalized. By engaging in performance, we can bridge the gap between the mind and the body, forging a deeper connection between our cognitive and physical experiences.

To illustrate the brain's cartographic and cortical mapping processes and their impact on choreographic practice, the book employs a range of scientific, creative, and reflective approaches. It explores the neurological underpinnings of embodied experiences, delving into the intricate mechanisms through which our senses, motor functions, and visual perception are integrated. Additionally, it analyzes projects that have already incorporated this practice, shedding light on the ways in which maps can be disrupted or altered by changing circumstances.

The intended audience for this book encompasses scholars and practitioners in the fields of Dance and Performance Studies, as well as dancers and choreographers at all levels. It offers valuable insights into the cognitive and embodied aspects of performance, providing a framework for understanding the relationship between movement, space, and knowledge. By exploring the complexities of the brain's mapping processes, the book encourages artists and researchers to push the boundaries of their practice and explore new avenues for artistic expression and inquiry.

In conclusion, A Transdisciplinary Approach to Practice-as-Research is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between practice, research, and the brain. Through its ethnographic methodology and interdisciplinary approach, the book challenges traditional notions of knowledge production and dissemination, advocating for a more embodied and experiential understanding of the world. By exploring the brain's cartographic and cortical mapping processes, it provides a valuable tool for artists and researchers alike, enabling them to tap into the embodied knowledge that exists within and around us. As we continue to navigate the rapidly changing landscape of artistic practice, this book serves as a beacon of hope, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of the human experience and the potential for artistic innovation.

Dimension: 244 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789387698
Edition number: New ed