David is developing a dance/movement coordination training method called “Quadruped,” which applies principles of the Alexander Technique and Dart Procedures to refine coordination, strength, flexibility, and balance. This approach is also being explored as a somatic practice, suitable for all people, for a variety of constructive, educational or therapeutic applications.
Additionally, Mr. Marchant investigates the application of Contact Improvisation as a therapeutic intervention for persons with Parkinson’s Disease. The results of a pilot study were published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2010. Read abstract / Read full article
David also studies the relationship of visual and kinesthetic perception to the aesthetics of human motion, and performance skill of dancing.
And, for the past 5 years, David, along with collaborators John Toenjes and Ben Smith at the University of Illinois, is presently investigating computer-mediated dance/music composition. We are not only interested in the ways in which computers offer new tools to make artwork, but also as potential physical educational and therapeutic tools that develop movement skill and kinesthetic awareness through dynamic audio feedback.