Dancing bodies, sharing minds: a cognitive ecological approach to stage presence

Stage presence in theatrical traditions is generally understood as the singular actor’s ability to enchant audience’s attention. According to such model, presence is conceived as prerogative of the skilled performer, resulting from both regimens of training and intrinsic charisma. This work investigates presence’s variations in three different dance practices: Contemporary Ballet, in the case of the Ballet National de Marseille, Contact Improvisation and Body Weather. The exploration of these dancers’ lived experience suggests an alternative picture of the phenomenon of stage presence. Moving away from a classic model, it accounts for the situational, multidimensional and interactive aspects embedded in performing.