Existential Paradigm of the ‘Philosophy of Life’ in Choreographic Works of Contemporary Choreographers

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify and theoretically substantiate the characteristics of the existential paradigm of the ‘philosophy of life’ in the choreographic works of contemporary postmodern and neoclassical choreographers. Methodology. The research is based on value-oriented and systemic approaches. The methods of induction and deduction, informational analysis, analytical method, and terminological analysis are applied, enabling a comprehensive examination of the specified issue and producing specific research results. The scientific novelty lies in the theoretical comprehension of the existential paradigm of the ‘philosophy of life’ in the choreographic works of contemporary Western European and Ukrainian choreographers representing postmodernism and neoclassicism. The study explores choreographic productions by Pina Bausch (Café Müller, Der Fensterputzer), Akram Khan (Desh, Vertical Road), William Forsythe (The Second Detail), Liya Katrechko (Tree of Life), Alvin Ailey (Tree of Life), and Jiří Kylián (Dance of Life). The concept of the ‘philosophy of life’, a central ideology of existentialism, as embodied in these works, is crucial for understanding the individual’s place in the modern world, the quest for meaning in life, and adaptation to constant change and transformation. Conclusions. The study concludes that existentialism centres around the individual—their freedom, choice, and personal responsibility. Attention is drawn to the absurdity of life, the uncertainty of human existence, and the necessity of seeking meaning through one’s own actions without reliance on social norms. The examined choreographic works by postmodern choreographers address existential themes of being, consciousness, and the search for life’s meaning through the vocabulary of contemporary and modern dance and symbolic movement language. These choreographers not only incorporate traditional themes but also investigate how embodied movement can express profound philosophical ideas. One of the core principles of existentialism is freedom of choice. According to this doctrine, a person possesses absolute freedom in their actions, yet this freedom inherently entails responsibility for moral decisions.