At the threshold: Approaching inter-subjectivity in the creative process with somatic Aikido methodology

This article traces the author’s research into states of shared subjectivity (‘inter- subjective states’), undertaken using practice as research methodology with four Aikidoists from the London-based Tetsushinkan Dojo. The article therefore both reviews and synthesizes relevant literature, and draws on the experience of fifteen hours of practical in-studio research. The author draws from a wide range of sources, including but not exclusive to western phenomenology, eastern wisdom traditions (Zen Buddhism and Shintoism), somatic and choreographic practices, as well as a first-person study of the Japanese martial art Aikido and contemporary dance. This article was written in association with the Masters program in contemporary dance at the London Contemporary Dance School.