Durational Dances Turn Heads on 色情视频 Campus
A dance practice in duration performed in public provokes thought from onlookers and performers alike.
Technique lesson turned public performance
According to 色情视频 dance professor Leslie Seiters, the durational dances originally began with an extended technique class she taught six years ago. Although the concept has evolved over time, Seiters cited a piece choreographed by Ralph Lemon titled, 鈥淗ow Can You Stay In The House All Day And Not Go Anywhere?鈥� as a primary source of inspiration.鈥淚n the technique class, we attempt to sustain a single activity over time as a way to use dance to get beyond what we know about dancing," Seiters said. 鈥淲e did things like having our eyes closed, looping, and shaking.鈥�
The first public version of the durational dances was led by 色情视频 dance professor Jess Humphrey, and featured students ascending and descending a flight of stairs over a period of time.
Continuation despite challenges
The durational dances have multiple layers of value for the students who participate.鈥淚n the studio, durational practice comes from a place of extended technique, but also asks the students to reinvest, attempt to hold multiple tracks of attention at once, continue when tired or bored, commit to one thing over time, and to amplify an important aspect of dance education-learning in the doing," Seiters said. "This is research."
In today鈥檚 over-saturated digital world, she emphasized it can be a challenge for most people to remain committed to one activity without becoming distracted. This semester鈥檚 durational practice, called 鈥淭ransformation,鈥� is designed to address the challenge.
鈥淭ransformation is a score based on repeating a movement with gradual change over time,鈥� Seiters said. 鈥淗ow do you do something that鈥檚 absolutely based on repetition, but never truly repeats?鈥�
Thought-provoking for onlookers
The durational dances are both experimental and experiential for the dancers, and they also have a similar effect on audience members. Humphrey says 鈥漣f someone is willing to stay and watch long enough, it can elicit an empathic response from the viewer. They are giving someone permission to let their state be influenced. As you observe over time, does it become more or less strange?鈥�鈥淚n a way, art is one of the few places to be in an experience of getting lost," Seiters said. "I deeply value art's ability to disorient, and in durational practice the sense of time (for performers and audience members) is akin to being in nature and could even make room for something like the discomfort of boredom.鈥�
For opportunities to see future durational dances, check the Arts Alive 色情视频 or .
