Dr Gemma Connell
About
My research project
Breaking the cypher-circle: resistance of gender violence and reclamation of power through spatial re-orientation in British Hip Hop dance theatreMy research explores the spatial orientation through which British female choreographers experience a transference of power in the creation, rehearsal and performance of Hip Hop dance theatre works. I propose that these choreographers discover power over their own narratives and identities as women and survivors of gender violence through a series of circular choreographic, dramaturgical and presentational devices. This research is situated in the following key points of view: Sara Ahmed’s theories of alignment and reorientation (2006; 2014; 2017), Iris Marion Young’s analyses of female bodily comportment (2005), and feminist standpoint theory; principally drawing on the perspectives of bell hooks’ discussion of margin and centre (2000) and Patricia Hill Collins’ exploration of ‘outsider within status’ (2004a).
Supervisors
My research explores the spatial orientation through which British female choreographers experience a transference of power in the creation, rehearsal and performance of Hip Hop dance theatre works. I propose that these choreographers discover power over their own narratives and identities as women and survivors of gender violence through a series of circular choreographic, dramaturgical and presentational devices. This research is situated in the following key points of view: Sara Ahmed’s theories of alignment and reorientation (2006; 2014; 2017), Iris Marion Young’s analyses of female bodily comportment (2005), and feminist standpoint theory; principally drawing on the perspectives of bell hooks’ discussion of margin and centre (2000) and Patricia Hill Collins’ exploration of ‘outsider within status’ (2004a).
Teaching
Guest Lecturer on the Collaborative Choreography Project and Professional Development modules for BA Dance.
Supervisor for students' Final Project on BA Theatre (online).