From expressive body to experiental body: the theatrical body expression for teenagers in high school

Abstract

The changes taking place in the body of adolescents as a result of the rapid biological, psychological, and social changes at this stage of ontogeny tend to alter the self-image they had previously formed. Next to this situation, the strong influence of the media around ideal bodies generates in many of these youth frustration, disappointment, disease and discrimination. The purpose of this work, supported by the review of literature related to body language and physical activity, is to present a series of reflections on the practice of corporal expression that takes place in a theater workshop, which can be defined as a free movement and creative activity, of expressive nature, autonomous, and original that allows individuals self-awareness about their moving, communicative and emotional abilities, skills and possibilities. The focus of physical anthropology offers a more holistic approach that emphasizes the importance of physical activity in the growth and development of adolescents, a stage that is distinguished by its high plasticity in biological and psychological processes, and analyzes its relationship with individual and collective capabilities of human groups.