A Study on Minimalism Shown in the Works of Judson Dance Theater

This study started from a question about the ambiguous reference point and concrete logicality when relating the works of Judson Dance Theater with minimalism performance. The purpose of this study is to seek for strategies to be expressed as minimalism by exploring the literature focusing on approaches to body and movements in the position of observer. The research question was set up as ‘What are the minimalistic characteristics of Judson Dance Theater?’. In the research method, this study intensively explored the research by Cho Mi-Hee(2021), research by Ramsay Burt(2006), performance video of Judson Dance Theater, and works by Morris(2009), presented Maurice Merleau Ponty’s phenomenological theory and reviews by the artists of the time as its grounds, and obtained four results by referring to the work trend of main figures in Judson Group through the research by Jang Ji-Won(2005). First, it is the simplification using something like repetition and arrangement. Second, it is the occurrence of performative turn. Third, the voluntary movements and impromptu actions exclude the intervention of another device. Fourth, it includes contracted body and formalized performance form in the traditional method, and organization of work procedure by hierarchy. Fifth, body installability, Exhibition, and Uncertain Space Composition.