final reflection

A body still is taking up just as much space and time as a body moving. The result is that neither the one nor the other--moving or being still--is more of less important, except it's nice to see a dancer moving. But the moving becomes more clear if the space and time around the moving are one of its opposite--stillness. Aside from the personal skill and clarity of the individual dancer, there are certain things that make clear to a spectator what the dancer is doing.

Merce Cunningham ["Space, Time, and Dance," from Trans/Formations 1, pp. 150-151, Wittenborn & Co, 1952]

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As I reflect upon the choreographic dance film and the adaptation that I embarked upon this term, I am reminded of the many facets that influence a piece of work beyond what is obvious to the choreographer or the viewer. As dancers we have a strong connection to space. In fact, space holds meaning in different ways. People attach meaning to space. Center center is very different than center downstage or upstage right. Similarly, dancing on concrete in the middle of a street will feel much differently than dancing in an open field of grass. We all have feelings about space and so we need to take it into account when creating, choreographing, and collaborating. 
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I am particularly drawn to the quote above, as it emphasizes the significance of stillness. A body that is still is equally as dynamic as a body that is in motion. As such, the audience plays a role in the perception of time and space. I feel that these elements, time and perception, can truly help or hinder a piece of choreography. When we combine these two elements with an attachment to space, we are witnessing a truly unique perspective of the dancing or moving body. Both from the perspective of the choreographer and the dancer.

​As I continue my practice as an educator and choreographer I want to challenge my view of space and the dancing body. My previous conventions and techniques include an element of uniqueness, but I must challenge myself to become more dynamic. By doing so, I will be able to innovate and diversify the conventions of musical theatre dance to create my own style of theatre dance. 

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I want to take an opportunity to thank the dancers that have been involved with this project over the past six months: Kaia Koehler, Daisy Bowron, Dominika Kalicka, Yu Chen Chiu, Zuzanna Gruszczyńska, Maja Melanowicz, Nicollette Amico, Giada Palmisano, and Jodie Stimpson. In addition, the creative team for the original choreographic piece, "Keep Dance Alive,": Alesya Bondareva (Video Editor), Naima Fiorani (Videographer), and Vitor Palma (Video Production Assistant).