Embodied Philosophy in Dance / Performance Philosophy (PDF)

Einav Katan-Schmid is a research associate at the Cluster of Excellence, Image, Knowledge, Gestaltung: An Interdisciplinary Laboratory, at the Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany. Her work with the research group "Picture-Act and Body-Knowledge" integrates choreography and somatic practices with philosophies of embodiment. She has been practicing Gaga with the Batsheva Dance Company since 2003.

“Katan’s work offers the first book-length publication on the topic … which provided insights into the genesis, in-class practice, and vocabulary of Gaga. … Katan’s Embodied Philosophy in Dance is a useful guide for dancers from all disciplines who want to increase their awareness in the studio. Moreover, this book is a recommended introductory reading for those who still underestimate the legitimacy of dance as a source of knowledge.” (Melissa Melpignano, Dance Research Journal, Vol. 49 (2), August, 2017)“Katan-Schmid (Humboldt Univ. of Berlin, Germany) explores the idea that dance is more than a conveyor of philosophical meaning. … This exhaustive investigation of Gaga will be useful to those seeking to delineate the inner workings of Gaga's physical, embodying process and how that process is manifested in performance. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals.” (E. McPherson, Choice, Vol. 54 (9), May, 2017)



“The book thus has relevance for both readers who specialize in one of the philosophical discourse methods and traditions incorporated as well as for dancers, dance makers, critics, and other readers who are used to describing and capturing a moving process and form like dance in words. It also provides a comprehensive resource for all philosophers of art who focus on artistic practice, performance, and stage- or studio-outward aspects of the art of which we are philosophizing.” (Aili Bresnahan, Journal for Aesthetics and Art Criticism, 2017)

“Katan-Schmid … adds a much-needed, thorough exploration of Gaga, highlighting its philosophical, physical, mental, sensual, imaginative, and perceptual possibilities. … Embodied Philosophy will be of interest to somatic practitioners and researchers, as well as dancers and choreographers. … Without doubt, Embodied Philosophy will be invaluable for current and future Gaga dancers and educators and scholars mining the riches of Gaga.”