Paper short abstract:

Based on a specific case study, this paper aims to show how the combination of dance competency and practical dance knowledge in Norwegian couple dancing created ‘”transcendental” experiences’ (Grau 2016) or peak moments for its practitioners.

Paper long abstract:

Words such as “Nirvana”, “euphoric feelings” as well as “fun” and “pleasure” arose in connection with peak dancing moments in research which explored dance competency and practical dance knowledge in couple dancing at parties in Trøndelag in rural Norway. Such terms are related to what Andrée Grau (2016) calls a heightened sense of consciousness, which may be an effect derived from dancing amongst other practices. She proposes that dance ‘is powerful because it may allow “transcendental” experiences’ (Grau 2016, 234). This paper aims to show how such experiences and feelings were connected to mastery of the shared dance choreographies, to letting go of their technical control, as well as to creating a shared moment with their dance partners by being present in the rhythm and sensitive to the musical tune. Feelings of “becoming one” resulted from this combination of dance competency and knowledge. A particular case study with one dancing couple, with whom I worked during field work, will be presented in detail to demonstrate how all these elements are articulated in the production of “transcendental experiences”. Moreover, the innovative methodological procedures based on a combination of ethnochoreological movement analysis and of cognitive anthropology of bodily practices that were used in this case study will be discussed.