Blog Post Four - My Stimulus and Further Research

Discuss Your Stimulus - 

The stimulus image I was most drawn to was image number three as shown below. It depicts the image of a elegant lady behind a glass full of water. There are clear reflections and distorted linear angles in the image with monochrome tones running throughout. My first initial feelings and thoughts were how everything appears 'normal' and glamourous on the surface but with the contrast of the distorted, harsh lines and dark tones it almost gives the feeling of something sinister.

I really liked the many contrasts within this image with the sharp lines in juxtaposition to the liquid state of the water, and how this could be translated in the body through movement. For example one movement of the arm could be a sharp slice whilst the leg could be performing a slow sustained rand de jambe at the same time creating interesting dynamic movement. I also really liked the use of the reflection in the image and how I could use this device in my choreography to communicate different ideas.

The reflection in the image gave me the idea of using the theme of perception and how we view ourselves. For instance the 'normal' image represents the reality of what we look like, in comparison to the distorted image through the reflection representing how we think we look and our perception of ourselves. I want to explore how our minds can distort this image and the impact of society's expectations. Therefore I feel a good avenue to explore and research further could be body dysmorphia as I feel this is very relevant topic in present day especially in the dance industry as we are always surrounded by mirrors. I think in terms of choreography, imagery would be a great way to explore the different pathways of the mind and explore visual representations of body dysmorphia. I have already started to explore this creative process and this worked really well for our group. When I'm thinking about the movements I was really able to visualise the contrasting elements in the image and translate this into movement. 


                Clement. M, (2007), 'Sensuous Lady'- The Winter Of Black, (Accessed - 14/10/2021) 

Body Dysmorphia - 

Body Dysmorphia is a mental health disorder in which ones self perceives defects in their physical appearance, that may not be apparent or only slight to others. (Phillips, Stein, 2021) For example a patient may focus on the shape or size of particular facial features or other muscular body parts. (Phillips, Stein, 2021)  They may have a form of the disorder called muscle dysmorphia, which is the idea that their body is not sufficiently lean or muscular. (Phillips, Stein, 2021)  They can spend hours worrying about their there 'flaws' are perceived by others and often check themselves in mirrors or avoid them however some alternate between the two behaviours. (Phillips, Stein, 2021) 

References - 

  1. Phillips. K, Stein. D (2021) Body dysmorphic disorder. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-and-related-disorders/body-dysmorphic-disorder#. Accessed October 14th, 2021
  2. Clement. M, (2007), 'Sensuous Lady'- The Winter Of Black, Accessed -  October 14th, 2021

Bibliography - 

  1. Phillips. K, Stein. D (2021) Body dysmorphic disorder. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/psychiatric-disorders/obsessive-compulsive-and-related-disorders/body-dysmorphic-disorder#. Accessed - October 14th, 2021.
  2. Angelakis I, Gooding PA, Panagioti M : Suicidality in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): A systematic review with meta-analysis. Psychol Rev 49:55-66, 2016. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr. Accessed - October 14th, 2021.
  3. Clement. M, (2007), 'Sensuous Lady'- The Winter Of Black, Accessed - October 14th 2021.













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