Date of Award

1986

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts

Department

Art

Abstract

Robbie Scoggins’ thesis explores the transformative potential of creative movement and inclusive dance education. Centered on her culminating project, Bodies in Motion, the work documents the process of conceptualizing, choreographing, rehearsing, and staging four unique dance compositions performed by beginning students. These pieces—ranging from rhythmic rounds to satirical mimes and collaborative visual works—served not only as performance but as a pedagogical tool. Scoggins reflects on her evolving philosophy that dance should be a democratic art form, open to all regardless of technical training or physical ideal. Drawing from historical precedents like Isadora Duncan and educators like Barbara Mettler, she argues for a return to dance as a deeply personal and expressive act, free from rigid classical expectations. Scoggins emphasizes that creative movement allows students to confront personal insecurities, develop artistic confidence, and engage with dance as a meaningful part of life rather than a professional ambition. She challenges instructors to nurture each student’s innate capacity for movement and to see value in the artistic process over perfection. The thesis ultimately champions dance as a universal medium of self-expression and growth—one that can be profoundly rewarding for participants at all levels of experience.

Download

Included in

Dance Commons

Share

COinS