ABOUT ME

I am Aslı Öztürk, a dance artist, choreographer, and academic based in Istanbul. As an Associate Professor at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, Istanbul State Conservatory, Contemporary Dance Department, I delve into the essence of my artistic and academic pursuits by deepening the body-mind relationship through contemporary dance practices. In my multifaceted role as both an instructor and choreographer, I endeavor to synthesize Western-based contemporary dance methodologies with Eastern contemplative practices. Since 2014, I have been researching and incorporating body-oriented mindfulness practices—such as Vipassana meditation, somatic meditations of Vajrayana Tantra, and Wuji Gong (Qigong)—both as preparatory methods and tools for enhancing artistic expression in my creative process and dance classes. My aim is to guide dancers in discovering their unique essence—physically, mentally, and energetically—by facilitating their journey toward reaching their full potential.

Since 2002, I have been creating my own choreographic works, often exploring profound themes such as existence, gender dynamics, self-discovery, and the transient nature of being. This long-term exploration of deep themes has naturally evolved to incorporate my recent focus on body-oriented mindfulness practices. These practices now serve primarily as grounding tools in the creative process, and I am increasingly interested in their impact on artistic expression.

For me, contemporary dance is an interdisciplinary and transformative art form that creates profound experiences for both dancers and audiences. It explores the evolving nature of human experience as knowledge, innovation, and imagination continue to grow. My interests extend to the dynamic relationship between new media technologies and the human body, as well as the interaction between the body and visual arts. Specifically, I am intrigued by how the body, as a living art form, interacts with inanimate art objects, the performative power of the body, and the impact of its vitality on artistic expression. The integration of these various disciplines creates a captivating canvas where innovation and imagination blend harmoniously.