Embodied Cognition in ‘1st appeal’: Integrating Spoken Word, Sound, And Movement as Choreographic Tools

Authors

  • Muhammad Fairul Azreen Mohd Zahid LASALLE College of the Arts, School of Dance and Theatre Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7301-7768
  • Mohd Kipl Abdul Rahman Universiti Teknologi MARA Author
  • Ahmad Kamal Basyah Salehuddin Universiti Teknologi MARA Author
  • Syahrul Fithri Musa Universiti Teknologi MARA Author
  • Yanti Heriyawati Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6024-3547

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15294/harmonia.v25i1.22120

Keywords:

cognition; contemporary dance; choreographic; ethnomethodology

Abstract

This research investigates the intersections of embodied cognition, language, and culture in dance, drawing on theoretical frameworks from anthropology and performance studies. Through an Auto Ethnomethodological approach, using the case study of “1st APPEAL” self-creation, this study examines how dancers employ spoken word, sound, and movement to interpret and negotiate choreographic intentions. By applying embodied cognition as a lens, this research reveals the complex relationships between language, culture, and embodiment in dance. This research lies in its innovative application of embodied cognition to dance practices, highlighting the crucial role of embodied experiences in shaping dancers’ understanding and execution of choreographic intentions. This research will contribute to a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between language, culture, and embodiment in dance, providing valuable insights for dance practitioners, choreographers, and educators. The findings also underscore the importance of considering embodied and cultural contexts in dance practices, ultimately enriching our understanding of choreographic tools and creative processes.

Author Biographies

  • Muhammad Fairul Azreen Mohd Zahid, LASALLE College of the Arts, School of Dance and Theatre

    Fairul Zahid holds a master's degree (MFA) from New York University, Tisch School of the Arts. He was a principal dancer/choreographer at ASK Dance Company, Christina Noel and the Creature NYC, The Nutcracker New York City Ballet, and LaneCo Arts NYC, as well as an artistic director of Asia Duo Dance Company.
     
    Fairul was a lecturer at several universities in Malaysia, including the National Academy of Arts, Culture, and Heritage (ASWARA) and University Technology MARA (UiTM). He was also invited as a guest lecturer/choreographer by several universities, including Minzu University, Capital Normal School (Beijing), University of Philippines, and Temple University Philadelphia, among others. Fairul has produced several full-length and mix-bills performances for tours in Beijing, Los Angeles, New York, Jakarta, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Chicago. He is a prolific and versatile choreographer/dancer working in the disciplines of contemporary ballet, Malay dance, Chinese classical dance, Indian classical dance and jazz. Fairul’s research interests focus on choreo-politic, Text and movements, as well as methods in making choreography. 

    In his work, he has collaborated with local and international artists, including Riki Von Falken, Gideon Oberzanek, Un Yamada, Ena Herosie, Pamela Pietro, Sean Curran, Netta Yerusalmy, Patrick Suzeu, Jeff Tsei, Brigel Gjoka, Pamela S.Pietro, Yachao Zhu, Herbert Alvarez, Akram Khan, Elena Laniog, Lane Gifford, Hala Shah and Crystal Pite. 
     
    Fairul was a top 20 finalist of So You Think You Can Dance 2008 (Malaysia). In 2020, he won the Best Group Performance in the Cameronian Arts Award for the theatre production of Oedipus under the FiTA Theatre Assemble and was nominated for Best Choreographer for TRANSCENDENCE, an evening of contemporary dance performance. In 2018, his work CanSur was awarded best group performance at the Cameronian Arts Awards and nominated for best choreography in 2018.

    Currently, he is the program leader and Lecturer for BA (Hons) in international Contemporary Dance Practices at LASALLE College of the Arts, School of dance and Theatre, Singapore 

  • Mohd Kipl Abdul Rahman, Universiti Teknologi MARA


    Prof. Dr Mohd Kipli Bin Abdul Rahman is a 'Professor of Theatre' in the Department of Performing Arts, College of Creative Arts Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. He is an academic and a theatre activist (Director, Choreographer, Actor, Dancer, Body Actor, Facilitator and Professional Theatre Jury). As an academic, he is actively involved as a writer, editor and researcher by leading the 'Malay Archipelago Glokal Wisdom (MAGIS), Research Initiative Group, College of Creative Arts Studies, UiTM. His main research field is interdisciplinary performing arts. He also leads community programs with children whose main objective is to create awareness about the importance of culture and identity. The community activities carried out are not only focused on children but also involve people with disabilities and the adult community, especially those living in rural areas, in efforts to preserve the culture of Local Wisdom. His writing reflections touch on the basic views of society towards cultural arts and the fields of social ethnography and ethno-performance studies. His latest research is on traditional performing arts in the Malay Archipelago region, which is interdisciplinary.

  • Ahmad Kamal Basyah Salehuddin, Universiti Teknologi MARA

    Dr. Ahmad Kamal Basyah Sallehuddin is an esteemed academic and professional in the field of creative arts. He is currently affiliated with the Kolej Pengajian Seni Kreatif, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), where he serves as the Head of School in the Liberal Arts Studies. With a deep passion for advancing the creative arts, he has made significant contributions to both education and research within the fields of Malaysian popular culture, theatre history, contemporary American literature and performance theories. He completed his academic training with a PhD in Drama Theory, which laid the foundation for his career as a researcher and educator.

  • Syahrul Fithri Musa, Universiti Teknologi MARA

    Syahrul Fithri Musa (Dr.) is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Performing Arts, College of Creative Arts, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). His research interests include Alternative Theatre, Performing Arts, Modern Theatre, Malaysian Theatre, Acting, and Directing. Beyond academia, Syahrul is an active practitioner, serving as a director, actor, and playwright. He regularly contributes essays to prominent publications such as Dewan Sastera, Seni Malaya, Eksentrika, and Malaysiakini. Syahrul represented Malaysia at the Future-Oriented Cooperation Project in Seoul in 2005, further solidifying his role as an influential figure in the regional arts scene.

  • Yanti Heriyawati, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

    Yanti Heriyawati (lecture, researcher, directure), born in Majalengka, has completed her S1 studies in Dance Arts, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia in 2000. S2 Education from the Performing Arts Study, Gadjah Mada University in 2004. S3 Cultural and Media Studies of Gadjah Mada University in 2013. Lecturer at the University of Education Indonesia. He has received an award as the best presenter from the Doctoral Grant from Higher Education and the best researcher in the field of cultural arts from BP3IPTEK West Java. The book "Performing Arts and Rituals" published by Ombak in 2016. Creating documentary films, docudrama series, and performing arts. The latest work of Maritime Art. Writing book chapters and articles in Sinta and Scopus journals. Won several research grants: Simlitabmas, Bima DTPM, PRN Kedaireka, and RIIM Competition.

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Published

2025-07-01

Article ID

22120

Issue

Vol. 25 No. 1 (2025): June 2025

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Mohd Zahid, M. F. A., Abdul Rahman, M. K., Salehuddin, A. K. B. ., Musa, S. F. ., & Yanti Heriyawati. (2025). Embodied Cognition in ‘1st appeal’: Integrating Spoken Word, Sound, And Movement as Choreographic Tools. Harmonia: Journal of Arts Research and Education, 25(1), 227-252. https://doi.org/10.15294/harmonia.v25i1.22120

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