Within the scope of the Contemporary Dance Department at Arkin University of Creative Arts and Design (ARUCAD), the first session of the workshop titled “Body and Creativity” was held on January 8, 2026. Led by artist, choreographer, and academic Prof. Aydın Teker, the workshop focused on the relationship between body, movement, and creativity within contemporary dance practice.
In the opening phase of the workshop, Prof. Aydın Teker introduced participants to concepts of three-dimensional spatial perception, symmetry, height, and depth through hands-on exercises. Using the act of cutting an apple into two equal halves as a visual reference, she explained the idea of symmetry and asked the dancers to position and move their bodies in a symmetrical manner. This was followed by the introduction of depth, with further movement practices focusing on the body’s spatial and volumetric awareness. Throughout the session, participants were guided through direct supervision and corrections.
In the later stages of the workshop, exercises aimed at deepening bodily awareness came to the fore. The final part consisted of a movement practice based on moving at an extremely slow pace—so slow that the movement was almost imperceptible. This exercise, conducted during the last hour of the workshop, proved physically and mentally challenging for the dancers, while also encouraging a heightened sense of concentration and presence. Despite the intensity of the practice, participants expressed satisfaction with the experience and the learning outcomes.
Prof. Aydın Teker has long pursued her academic and artistic work at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, and is widely recognized for her approach to contemporary dance that emphasizes the relationship between body, space, and creativity. During the previous spring semester, she visited ARUCAD as part of World Dance Day events, where she met with students through various activities held at the university.
The “Body and Creativity” workshop will continue with further sessions on January 15 and 22, 2026. The workshop is moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Handan Ergiydiren and Sen. Ins. Bekir Şimşek.
