The potential for perceptible process: an exploration of the interconnections between differential equations and contemporary dance choreography

This research investigates how complex mathematical structures and processes can be applied to create contemporary dance choreography. It will create new knowledge and creative potential for choreographing process performance. Specifically, how we can create a structural template using complex mathematics to create process performance. Process performance is one in which the process is identifiable in the final performance. Process within performance is one behind the scenes and not evident in the final performance. Perceptible process is a concept made popular by composer Steve Reich (1968) in which you can hear or see the process unravelling through the performance. The research proposes the new term Visible Process where the process is visible in the performance but not necessarily identical to it.

Process performance as an area of research is an emerging, important topic within the field of dance research. This arts practice doctoral research reveals how-to knowledge for creating choreography using complex mathematics whilst also discovering new structures and tools for choreographing process performance. It draws upon artists in process performance including Reich (1968), Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker (1982), Annette Arlander (2018), Hetty Blades and Emma Meehan (2018). The two Arts Practice PhD performances, Visible Chaos and Directions of Chaos alongside this thesis explore using complex mathematics to create whilst making that process visible to an audience member through strict scores, repetition, design, spatial patterns and dancer relationships.