Jung on the dance floor : the phenomenology of dancing and clubbing

Peter, B

Abstract

This thesis is concerned with the impact of clubbing, and in particular dancing, on our everyday life. Although it has been established that the connection between the mind and the body is fundamental to our understanding of identity, music as the mediator between these two entities has been largely ignored. The dance floor as a space that allows the individual to experience a mind-body connection is the focus of this thesis. Exploring the social, cultural
and political settings that affect the individual's conditioning and behaviour, Jungian theory is applied to the dance floor in order to provide evidence for a latent conflict between the individual and western society.
In this thesis, a phenomenological approach is chosen. Thus, new connections are made between the unconscious and dancing. By presenting the dance floor as an opportunity to explore parts of an identity which might not be supported by other practices, clubbing becomes significant for the
psychological development of the individual. Furthermore, it is suggested that dancing in a nightclub can act as one of many practices to establish equilibrium between the individual and society. This is, however, only possible
because of the unique conditions the dance floor offers. Examining the relations between music, dancing and the unconscious, trance is found to be practised in western society, which gives particular importance to the aspect
of guidance, support and self-determination in life.
As a result, this thesis proposes a redefinition of clubbing, which moves away from the notion of it being a hedonistic, apolitical and deviant practice towards
an understanding of clubbing as healing. By offering an alternative interpretation of dancing in nightclubs, an opportunity is given to re-examine the role of clubbing for young people, their lives and society.

Citation

Peter, B. Jung on the dance floor : the phenomenology of dancing and clubbing. (Thesis). University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2009