LIISA JAAKONAHO
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• Doctoral researcher
(Theatre Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, 2015 onwards) • Master of Arts (Goldsmiths, University of London, 2007) I am an interdisciplinary professional of performing arts, 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 I carry out my research with funding from The Finnish Cultural Foundation, and from September 2018 onwards as a doctoral researcher affiliated with ArtsEqual research initiative, in The Center for Educational Research and Academic Development in the Arts (CERADA) . 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. As a pedagogue I specialize in methods of movement improvisation and somatics. In recent years I have also provided training for professionals of different fields and taught students of arts pedagogy in embodiment, therapeutic interaction, special needs pedagogy, 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. As a pedagogue I am inspired by critical pedagogy, embodiment, and experiential learning. Currently 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. 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. |
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