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Arts & Communication Digital somatic arts: Choreographing autonomy

Appendices conversations, such as with Nicolas Patry at Université
du Québec à Montréal, support the notion that autonomy
Appendix 1 and self-management are integral to the online somatic
The only article directly relevant to somatics and e-learning learning experience. Patry’s reflections on his experience
1
that Christine Germain has found is by Donadel. She with Continuum and the Tamalpa Institute underscore
observed the adaptation of new forms of interaction the value of self-direction in online formats, as it allows
through technology, although she noted that these forms for greater personal engagement and emotional freedom
do not fully substitute for traditional classroom or studio- within the learning process.
based learning. However, her study encourages reflection Although most literature on online movement education
on the evolving impact of online learning in somatic focuses on the challenges and negative aspects—such as the
education under restricted circumstances.
loss of in-person interaction and physical feedback—our
Other articles, while focusing on dance education, do article highlights the positive potential of online learning
shed light on some of the broader themes relevant to our environments. Specifically, we argue that the online format
2
research. For example, Yuhui discussed the experiences can enhance the development of autonomy in students, a
of dance educators and students transitioning to online core feature of the Feldenkrais method that thrives in both
formats. Similarly, Longley et al. addressed remote physical and virtual settings.
3
teaching of embodied creative practices. They emphasized
how the lack of physical interaction led to an increased *Credentials
focus on independent creative problem-solving, autonomy, (i) Dr. Joe Dumit (Multiple conversations on the topic in
and multi-modal documentation, resonating with my own 2023 – 2024, and he was not aware of any other paper
observations on the development of autonomy in somatic on the topic)
practices. • Anthropologist and chair of the Performance
What makes Feldenkrais, and specifically Awareness Studies Program, University of California, Davis,
Through Movement lessons, stand out is their ability to USA
foster autonomy, even in a group setting. This is the central • Specializes in performance studies and
point of our article. In Feldenkrais lessons, students are anthropology, particularly within the context of
encouraged to explore their movement pathways and embodiment and creativity
develop a sense of internal authority over their learning • Author of Haptic Creativity and the Mid-
process. This emphasis on autonomy is particularly Embodiments of Experimental Life (2011)
significant in the context of online education, where • UC Davis Performance Studies Chair.
learners may have more space and opportunity to engage (ii) Florence Figols (Contacted through email on October
with the material in a self-directed way. 2, 2024)
• Lecturer (part-time faculty), Department of
In terms of academic discourse, Christine Germain Contemporary Dance, Concordia University,
has attended numerous events, including Feldenkrais Montreal, Canada
conferences, Feldenkrais summits, and the International • Actively engaged in multiple research groups,
Somatic Movement Education and Therapy Association including: the International Eco-Embodiment
conferences. She has not encountered any presentations Network/Human–Nature Connect (2023–
on this particular topic. Many workshops were offered to present), the Senses and Society (2012 –
provide tools to teach online better, but she has not found 2023), and Embodied Research Working Group
writings on the positive outcomes experienced through (2017 – 2023)
these online practices and research, conferences, and • Frequent presenter at international conferences,
various somatic education workshops. These gatherings such as: Haptic Encounters—Embodying
primarily provided practical tools for teaching online but Reciprocity workshop, Body-Mind Centering
did not produce any substantial academic writings that Conference (2019), and Embodying
reflected the positive outcomes of online somatic practices.
In-Betweenness—conference and workshop,
Germain also engaged with researchers and Embodied Research Working Group, International
practitioners in related fields. Notably, Joe Dumit, Federation of Theater Research (IFTR), held in
Florence Figols, Dr. Laura Karreman, Cliff Smith, and locations such as São Paulo, Brasília, Brazil, and
Sylvie Fortin have all contributed valuable insights into Buenos Aires, Argentina (2017).
the field of somatics, although their works do not directly (iii) Dr. Laura Karreman (Contacted by email on October
address online learning (*see credentials below). Peer 2, 2024)

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 15 doi: 10.36922/ac.4477