Dance Creation Based on Plato’s Theory of Art: A Study of Alienation — Who Is Living My Life?

Abstract

This study explores the application of Plato’s theory of art in the context of dance creation, with a focus on the dance film Alienation – Who Is Living My Life? as a case study. According to Plato, art is a form of “mimesis” — an imitation of reality — that should uphold moral guidance while maintaining rationality and order. Grounded in this theoretical framework, the research investigates the significance and value manifested through the dancer’s body as a medium in the reconstruction of reality via dance on screen. The choreography centers on the theme of the modern workplace, utilizing symbolic gestures, ensemble staging, and contrasting physical languages to portray the individual’s existential condition under social structures. Through repetitive compositional structures and spatial arrangements, the work reinforces its philosophical underpinnings. The findings suggest that Plato’s aesthetic perspective not only offers a robust theoretical foundation for dance creation but also encourages works to transcend mere emotional expression, becoming a medium for critical reflection on social realities. This provides a fresh lens through which contemporary dance creation may be reconsidered.