M4C Logo AHRC Logo

Matthias Sperling

Dance, De Montfort University

Thesis title:

A practice-based investigation of the event of choreographic performance as a site of embodiedknowledge-generation.

My practice-based research investigates the event of choreographic performance as a site of embodied knowledge-generation, a project evolving from earlier investigations and interests in my artistic practice. Drawing on perspectives from cognitive science and philosophy, I am developing my articulation of what particular kinds of knowledge I consider to be generated in the making, performing and spectating of my choreographic work. Informed by the writings of Guy Claxton, Andy Clark and others, I approach knowing as an embodied process inclusive of a range of different modes, spanning the tacit (felt, intuitive) and explicit (languaged, rational), with particular emphasis on the necessary continuity and interdependence of these modes in the embodied process of knowledge-generation. On this basis, my research will also draw on two other types of embodied cultural practices that traverse tacit and explicit modes: the scientific practice of hypnosis and ritual practices of shamanism. I will explore how these ideas and practices inform the development of new ways of practicing choreography, focusing on creating choreographic work that positions the relationship between choreography and knowledge-generation as its subject matter.


My practice-based PhD is supported by Midlands4Cities in partnership with Dance4 and Siobhan Davies Dance. 

Research Area

  • Dance

Publications

The 'making-public', through live performance, of my choreographic works is a form of publication. My work has been presented at leading arts venues and dance festivals including Sadler's Wells, Tate Modern, Southbank Centre, Royal Opera House, Dance Umbrella, Nottdance in the UK, and in 15 other countries worldwide. For more information on my works and presentations of them, please visit www.matthias-sperling.com

My written publications include:

Jorina von Zimmermann, Staci Vicary, Matthias Sperling, Guido Orgs, Daniel C. Richardson (2018), "The Choreography of Group Affiliation", Topics in Cognitive Science, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 80-94.


Staci Vicary, Matthias Sperling, Jorina von Zimmermann, Daniel C. Richardson,Guido Orgs (2017) Joint action aesthetics. PLoS ONE 12(7): e0180101. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180101


Ben Duke, Matthias Sperling & Maria Kapsali (2016) Answer the Question. What are your/the tools of training?, Theatre, Dance and Performance Training, 7:1, 108-111.


Matthias Sperling, Sara Wookey (2015). Matthias Sperling. In S. Wookey, ed. Who Cares? Dance in the Gallery & Museum. London: Siobhan Davies Dance, p.106-111.


Siobhan Davies, Andrea Buckley, Helka Kaski, Rachel Krische, Charlie Morrissey, Matthias Sperling (2014) Introduction. In Table of Contents: Memory and Presence [Catalogue]. London: Siobhan Davies Dance.


Matthias Sperling (2013) Negotiating Time: Can the temporary leave a trace?, Theatrum Mundi: NEGOTIATING SPACES SALON SERIES, [Online]. Available from: http://theatrum-mundi.org/activities/the-sense-of-presence-can-the-temporary-leave-a-trace/


Matthias Sperling (2013) Matthias Sperling on The Movers. In Charming for the Revolution: A Congress on Gender Talents and Wildness [Catalogue]. London: Tate Film.


Matthias Sperling (2009) Dance UK Interview with Matthias Sperling from Siobhan Davies Dance new work, The Collection [Online]. Available at: https://www.danceuk.org/news/article/interview-with-matthias-sperling-from-siobhan-davies-new-work-the-collection/



Public Engagement & Impact

Please see my website for up to date activities: www.matthias-sperling.com