In addition to the books and articles I have been reading for this project, YouTube has been a constant companion in my research. There are so many great dances to watch and YouTube makes them available at the click of a button. Since dance in particular is such a visual art, it is incredible to have access to thousands of clips documenting dance over decades. Watching videos also helps me see how other choreographers approach working with props like elastics. In short: here is my inspirational YouTube playlist of the week.
1. Kerri Canedy: Bound to You: http://youtu.be/Dq0bdSPVAyY
This dance was choreographed by my mentor Kerri Canedy. She has been an incredible resource and inspiration for me in my exploration of dance and performance arts. When I brought up choreographing with elastics she helped me get a feel for what I was getting myself into and shared her experiences with me. Her advice has guided me through the choreography process and has allowed me to get to where I am now. As Doris Humphrey said on her checklist for composers, "listen to qualified advice" (Humphrey 159). When you are putting together a performance it is essential to listen too, even seek out, advice of peers and mentors. If I want to have any chance of portraying a message to an audience, the more perspectives I can hear on my work the better.
2. Alwin Nikolais: Tensile Involvement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfxsFTDWWnw
Kerri recommended that I watch this video when I began my choreography. Alwin Nikolais was an American choreographer who began his dance career around 1935. His choreography is known for its unique use of props and "an integration of motion, sound, shape, and colour, each given relatively equal emphasis" (Britannica). Watching this video made me focus on how the elastics work to create sharp lines between points where they are secured. The elastic will go directly from point A to point B unless an outside force, namely a dancer, interrupts it. It is fascinating to me to see how the lines of the elastics interact with the shapes of the dancers. While it may not be possible for a dancer to make a clean rectangle with their body, having the elastic as a prop opens the doorway to new shapes and angles otherwise unobtainable in choreography.
3.Benjamin Millepied: Closer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbP3Y00g5DY
Sometimes, I watch dance for ideas and inspiration. Other times, I watch dance simply because I enjoy watching it and it makes me want to keep dancing. This video was an example of the latter. I think this piece is stunningly beautiful and hope you also enjoy watching it.
More videos coming soon!
1. Kerri Canedy: Bound to You: http://youtu.be/Dq0bdSPVAyY
This dance was choreographed by my mentor Kerri Canedy. She has been an incredible resource and inspiration for me in my exploration of dance and performance arts. When I brought up choreographing with elastics she helped me get a feel for what I was getting myself into and shared her experiences with me. Her advice has guided me through the choreography process and has allowed me to get to where I am now. As Doris Humphrey said on her checklist for composers, "listen to qualified advice" (Humphrey 159). When you are putting together a performance it is essential to listen too, even seek out, advice of peers and mentors. If I want to have any chance of portraying a message to an audience, the more perspectives I can hear on my work the better.
2. Alwin Nikolais: Tensile Involvement http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfxsFTDWWnw
Kerri recommended that I watch this video when I began my choreography. Alwin Nikolais was an American choreographer who began his dance career around 1935. His choreography is known for its unique use of props and "an integration of motion, sound, shape, and colour, each given relatively equal emphasis" (Britannica). Watching this video made me focus on how the elastics work to create sharp lines between points where they are secured. The elastic will go directly from point A to point B unless an outside force, namely a dancer, interrupts it. It is fascinating to me to see how the lines of the elastics interact with the shapes of the dancers. While it may not be possible for a dancer to make a clean rectangle with their body, having the elastic as a prop opens the doorway to new shapes and angles otherwise unobtainable in choreography.
3.Benjamin Millepied: Closer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbP3Y00g5DY
Sometimes, I watch dance for ideas and inspiration. Other times, I watch dance simply because I enjoy watching it and it makes me want to keep dancing. This video was an example of the latter. I think this piece is stunningly beautiful and hope you also enjoy watching it.
More videos coming soon!
Alwin Nikolais: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/415254/Alwin-Nikolais
Doris Humphrey: The Art of Making Dances. New York: Rinehart, 1959. Print.
Doris Humphrey: The Art of Making Dances. New York: Rinehart, 1959. Print.