UC Irvine

In this thesis research, a framework for investigating creativity is established through existing literature in the field of psychology, interviews with practicing choreographers and the development of choreography for live theater. Creativity, types of creativity, and stages of creative problem solving are defined and a comparison between these definitions is identified in relation to phases of the choreographic process. This research includes researcher observations and interviews with nine choreographers currently residing in the Southern California region. Through the interview process, information regarding their creative processes and methods for generating movement material and structuring movement into choreographies is collected and examined for greater understanding toward creativity and the choreographic process. The research also includes a description of my own experience working with different methods to create four new dance works for a live audience. Through journals and reflections on my choreographic process, I begin to explore how different choreographic methods affect my perception of my own creativity and the outcome of each new work. The focus of this thesis is to gain a greater understanding of how choreographers define and demonstrate creativity in the choreographic process.