From functional dissociation to creativity in groups: The effects of a pandemic on a dance company

Abstract

This article explores group creativity following the lockdown in France from March to May 2020. Questioning its impact on established groups led us to formulate two hypotheses. First, the announcement of these measures provoked what Anzieu (1981) has referred to as a ‘state of creative shock’ in existing group structures. Second, the psychic envelope of these groups enabled a group creativity to emerge and be sustained. We support these remarks with an analysis of non-directive and semi-directive interviews (Lincoln, 1995) as well as recordings of sessions of a contemporary dance company, which were carried out via the Zoom platform throughout the lockdown period.

The colour of the poppies. A comment on functional dissociation to creativity in groups. The effects of a pandemic on a dance company

“…In other words, group creativity is organized on the basis of such a functional creative dissociation of the Ego by members of groups that have been affected by the potentially traumatic reality of the collapse of the metasocial and metapsychic guarantors. (Vollon and Gimenez, 2022) However, according to the authors' observation, this collective dissociation occurs before the individual group members are able to 'fully express the effects of such a collapse'. This is what the members of the dance company DANSE' AMU lived through during the first lockdown in 2020.…”

“…It was this exercise which allowed the dancers 'to think and reflect on movements that were limited' but also the camera's role: 'Filming of what we are doing-that was really interesting'. According to the authors' interpretation, this exercise can be conceived as a 'figurative representation, which would give a sensory form to the psychic movements that were coursing through every member of the company' (Vollon and Gimenez, 2022). By suggesting it, they argue, the choreographer opened up a possibility 'to enact the difficulties related to performing choreographic phrases from the distance of their homes' while making 'the video conference system an integral part of their work process'.…”

“…a ‘contextual’ group creativity which allowed for ‘a reassigning of places occupied by each member of the group and by a specific use of the group envelope’. Therefore, the ‘new social distance measures’ have forced (and are still forcing) us ‘to rethink the therapeutic frame and setting’, and challenge us to adapt our ‘tools and paradigms in innovative ways in order’ which allow for a continuity of thought around group dynamics, which are becoming ever more creative and surprising’ (Vollon and Gimenez, 2022).…”

“…The article presented by Vollon and Gimenez (Vollon and Gimenez, 2022) explores the emergence of group creativity during the 55 days of detention imposed by the French authorities as a protective measure to control the spread of Covid19 from 13 March to 11 May 2020. It does so by pointing out the impact on the members of a dance company in southern France.…”

“…In other words, group creativity is organized on the basis of such a functional creative dissociation of the Ego by members of groups that have been affected by the potentially traumatic reality of the collapse of the metasocial and metapsychic guarantors. (Vollon and Gimenez, 2022)…”