The Effects of External Elements on Choreographic Works Open Access

Seidenberg, Kala Dana (2012)

Permanent URL: https://etd.library.emory.edu/concern/etds/mc87pq43r?locale=en
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Abstract

Abstract


The Effects of External Elements on Choreographic Works


The modern dance concept of movement for movement's sake brings to question whether or not
movement has to have meaning associated with it. Can movement material be engaging and
interesting simply by its physicality or aesthetic qualities, or is there something inherently
meaningful about any choreographic work plainly because the human body is the medium being
used? For my research I am questioning not only this idea of meaning and if and how it is
created, but also the non-movement elements of a piece that can add a layer of context to work.
Choreography in contemporary modern dance can include lighting, music, set design, and
costuming that create an environment for and sometimes a relationship with the movement
phrase material. With the tremendous amount of external elements in contemporary works, how
much impact does the movement have? To investigate the weight of meaning, context, and
vocabulary in a piece of choreography, I have created 6 dances from the same movement. A
solo, quartet, and large ensemble piece were choreographed from the same core phrase material.
Each dance was then duplicated, with only the music, costuming, and lighting elements being
altered. The effects of such changes were explored and analyzed from the view of the
choreographer, performers, and viewers. While movement can create its own tone and meaning,
I have experienced the ability of contextual components and intention to dramatically transform
a piece of choreography.

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 1

Chapter 1: The Maker 5

Quartets 5 Solos 12 Large Group Ensembles 17

Chapter 2: The Doer 22

Solos 22 Quartets 25 Large Group Ensembles 28

Chapter 3: The Viewer 31

Solos 32 Quartets 34 Large Group Ensembles 37

Conclusion 39

Appendix A: LEITMOTIF Program 42

Appendix B: Promotional Flyer 43

Appendix C: Sample Audience Questionnaire 44

Appendix D: SIRE Budget 45

Appendix E: Center for Creativity & Arts (CCA) Grant Application - Narrative 46

Appendix F: Performance Photographs 48

Appendix G: Adjudicators' Comments From 2012 American College Dance 54

Festival Association (ACDFA)

Bibliography 56

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