LIISA JAAKONAHO
• Lecturer in Dance Pedagogy
(Theatre Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, 2019 onwards) • Doctoral researcher (Theatre Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, 2015 onwards) • Master of Arts (Goldsmiths, University of London, 2007) I'm an interdisciplinary professional of performing arts, arts pedagogy and mental health work, based in Helsinki, Finland. I am currently working full-time as a Lecturer in Dance Pedagogy at The Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki, whilst continuing my doctoral research part-time. In my research I investigate ethical questions in and around my work as a dance pedagogue with differently abled people. As a pedagogue I specialize in methods of movement improvisation and somatics, performance art, embodiment, therapeutic interaction, special education in the arts, and disability studies. In my pedagogic work I apply my skills flexibly, taking into account individual needs, capacities and limitations, as well as dynamics of the group and organization. I am inspired by critical pedagogy, embodiment, and experiential learning. As an artist-researcher I am particularly interested in questions of diversity, challenging fixed categories and dichotomies, and artistic work that takes place outside traditional art contexts. For me artistic research is a way to make the complexities and potentials of this kind of work visible. I've also trained as a Dance Movement Therapist in a psychodynamically oriented Master's programme at Goldsmiths, University of London. Dance Movement Therapy utilises 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. |