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Emily Godfrey | Dance
“stoP ActiNg hysterICal”
Mentor(s): Doug Hamby
Dance Cube, 337 PAHB | 10:15 a.m.
“stoP ActiNg hysterICal” is a dance piece that challenges the societal view and stigmatization of panic attacks. “stoP ActiNg hysterICal” will be premiered at the Spring Dance Showcase in May 2019. Due to biases, preconceived notions, and lack of understanding, the topic of mental health awareness has been pushed aside and not taken seriously, especially in adolescents and young adults. Panic Disorder, defined in the DSM-5, is an anxiety disorder based on the occurrence of recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, an abrupt surge of intense fear. The dance is a deconstruction of the biological symptoms of panic attacks and analyzes the societal stigmatization that acts as a barrier to people seeking help. Created on four dancers, the choreographer was created in undefined movement sections, while holding onto the overall timeline structure of the piece. The movement is inspired by humanistic gestures, bodily contortions, and physically demanding locomotion that recollects the symptoms and internal emotions of a panic attack. The dancers are a manifestation of the physical symptoms of panic disorder and represent the parts of society discriminating against the illness and not providing the needed support because of preconceived misconceptions.
URCAD is April 24th!
