The Intersection of Dance and Drama: The Will and Emotional Expression of the Body in Pina Bausch's Tanztheater

Abstract

As a leading figure in German modern dance, Pina Bausch inherited and further developed the dance theories of Rudolf Laban and Kurt Jooss, establishing Tanztheater as an independent art form. Under Bausch's leadership, a new image of German dance emerged. This study explores the will and emotional expression of the body in Pina Bausch's Tanztheater, focusing on the integration of bodily movements and emotional expressions with drama, thus revealing her unique artistic style and creative approach. Bausch's technique of weakening and naturalizing bodily movements allows dancers to express emotions and thoughts more freely. By externalizing everyday behaviors, she breaks the conventional constraints of traditional dance, enhancing the audience's emotional resonance. The dancers' movements are not only individual expressions but also reflect the interaction between people and their environment. Through exaggerated and dramatic movements, Bausch externalizes internal emotions, enabling the audience to directly experience the dancers' emotional world. This deepens the layers and intensity of emotional expression, positioning Tanztheater as a medium for conveying emotions and ideas. Future research should compare the works of various artists to further explore the diversity and universality of Tanztheater as a fusion of dance and drama. Additionally, examining Tanztheater creations across different cultural contexts and exploring its development prospects in new media environments with modern technology are essential areas of investigation.