Somaesthetics reconstruction and creative transformation of intangible cultural heritage dance: contemporary expression of traditional vocabulary

Yujun Ni

doi:10.63313/ah.9015

Authors

Yujun Ni Philippine Christian University, Manila, 1004, Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63313/ah.9015

Keywords:

Somaesthetics, Intangible Cultural Heritage, Nuo Dance, Choreography, Transformation

Abstract

This study explores the creative transformation and aesthetic reconstruction of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) dance through the lens of Richard Shuster-man's somaesthetics, focusing on the traditional Chinese Nuo dance. It analyzes how choreographers can deconstruct and reconstruct traditional body vocabu-lary to achieve contemporary expression while preserving cultural integrity. Drawing from case studies, neuroanthropology, and movement analysis, the re-search establishes a transformation model from cultural genotype to phenotypic expression. By integrating embodied knowledge, improvisation mechanisms, and choreography theory, it proposes a paradigm shift from element borrowing to system reconstruction. This contributes to building a sustainable, dynamic pathway for ICH dance in the modern aesthetic context.

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