LIISA JAAKONAHO
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• Doctoral researcher
(Theatre Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, 2015 onwards) • Dance pedagogue (Theatre Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, 2013) • Dance Movement Therapist (Master of Arts, Registered Dance Movement Therapist / Goldsmiths, UK 2007) • Dance/performance artist (Turku Arts Academy 2003, Turku Conservatory 1999) I am an interdisciplinary professional of performing arts, pedagogy and mental health work, based in Helsinki, Finland. Currently I am working full-time as a Doctoral Researcher at The Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts, Helsinki. In my research I investigate ethical questions in and around my work as a dance pedagogue with differently abled people. In 2017-2019 my research is funded by The Finnish Cultural Foundation. As a dance pedagogue I specialize in methods of movement improvisation and somatics. In recent years I have also provided training for professionals of different fields. In my pedagogic work I apply my skills flexibly, taking into account individual needs, capacities and limitations, as well as dynamics of the group or organization. As a pedagogue I am inspired by critical pedagogy, embodiment, and experiential learning. At the moment I am continuing my pedagogical studies in the University Pedagogy in the Arts programme of the University of the Arts Helsinki (60cr, 2017-2020). As an artist I am interested in encountering difference, and challenging fixed categories and dichotomies. I like to work outside traditional art contexts, in interactive ways. For me artistic research is a way to make the complexities and potentials of this kind of work visible. As a therapist I've been trained in psychodynamic Dance Movement Therapy. Dance Movement Therapy uses dance and movement psychotherapeutically, fostering the mental and physical wellbeing of the individual. The premise of psychodynamic therapy is understanding the mind being constructed as an interactive developmental process from subjective experiences, originating in early relationships. I am also currently involved in ArtsEqual research initiative. The ArtsEqual research initiative, coordinated by the University of the Arts Helsinki, examines the arts as public service, with equality as the starting point, and explores how the arts can meet the social challenges of the 2020s. Since spring 2014 I have been member of Cultural Co-op Kiito. Kiito is a multifaceted group of artists, media professionals, researchers, educators, therapists and participatory arts practitioners, who provide training, engage in research, and create artistic productions/interventions. Since 2013 I have been working as a dance pedagogue with adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, in social care contexts. Liikahdus® is my registered trademark for this work. |
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