What I have discovered..

There is mass amount of information, images, videos and advice about dance available on the internet.

It is up to the individual on how they choose to make use of the evident connection between dance and the internet.

I loved this topic and am grateful I was able to explore it. I tried to explore as much as I possibiliy could in relation to this topic and in reading over all my entries I am surpised at how many different aspects of 'dance and the interent' I managed to cover!

Dance is everywhere on the internet and I hope that people who read through this journal will want to explore the topic 'Internet and Dance' for themselves.


Dance and the Internet.

In my opinion:

There is a connection,
there always should be,
and there always will be.

.. coming to an end

I feel I have definitely developed my ideas during the many weeks that it has taken to produce this journal.

The topic of this journal was rather open - but I enjoyed not have a restricted topic because having this topic ensured that the ideas I had about the internet and dance where able to be developed.

As I am always near my laptop, the online blog was very useful when trying to write down my thoughts as they emerged!

I really liked how I was able to let not only my research guide the direction of this journal, but my thoughts as well.

Blown away!

This contemporary video that blew me away!! -



This video is what I would call a site specific performance and is similarity with an alleyway! I was pretty happy when I came across this video because it shows me how shadows, lights and scenographic elements can positively effect a dance!

Trying something new..

There are endless possibilities with the topic Internet and dance, today as I saw a poster at university - the thought occurred to me that I have not yet looked at this topic from a cultural perspective.

...... I have spent awhile searching and the fact is, no matter what cultural dance you wanting to find out about it seems like the internet can help you out!!

There is just so much on all kinds of dance - I even stumbled across other online blogs!



Below is an image of Japanese contemporary dance -

Keeping the journal..

This topic has been quite suitable with my other assignment, because the internet has helped develop my ideas for my piece.

Taking what I have learned from the website provided in a previous post, I have been brainstorming about my own piece.

The internet provides answers to so many queries that a person may have regarding contemporary dance!!

Site Specific performance

The location that has been chosen for our end of semester dance performance is in an Alley way.

This journal has been good to keep, because it is such an open topic. The research and knowledge I am gaining from writing these journal entries is really interesting to me.

I found a website which described what a site specific performance was.
What I have learned from this website I will be able to put into practice when I am choreographing for my assignment!

The article expresses that a site specific performance is just that - a dance which is specific to that site, 'the site becomes very much a part of the dance itself'.

http://contemporarydance.suite101.com/article.cfm/sitespecific_dance_and_new_performance_spaces

Chair Dance

Very early on in this semester we discussed the question of 'what is Dance?'. People have different opinions on what it really is, but I feel its best left undefined.

When researching last night I came across the site ' TED Talks - Ideas worth spreading'. I searched through the talks on this show and found one which I feel is connected with the question of what dance is.

The talk I am referring to is by Arthur Ganson, he shows that dance does not have to be executed by a human, but rather objects can dance too.

The whole clip is extremely amazing, with the way he has taken objects and combined them with movement. The segment I am particularly interested in starts at 12.43 (so skip forward to that part if you wish)

Chair dance :

The soundtrack which plays whilst the chair dances adds to the overall 'show'. I love that dance has moved away from restrictions and with the help of the internet has evolved, as now people do not consider dance soley as something which is carried out by a human.

How to dance properly!!

When researching more about about dance and the internet I came across a webpage which had a clip called 'How to dance properly', I thought that it would be a cool thing to include in my blog, so I researched it a bit further. It has proven to be quite an example of how dance is part of the internet.

In 2001, Ze Frank designed an online birthday invitation which sparked a large amount of attention. The invite can be viewed by clicking this link -


http://www.zefrank.com/invite/swfs/index2.html

The invitation shows different dance moves that he has choreographed and named. Ze Frank was also on a show called TED talks - which can be accessed online. The invite was original and caused thousands of people to visit the site to see the dancing invite of 'how to dance properly'.

Learning Contemporary..

I have discovered the internet has many videos on dance shows or dance lessons teaching you certain moves.

I have become quite addicted to watching the videos on one particular site.

There are multiple videos on this website and they go through the basics of contemporary dance.
The videos are easy to follow and I love watching them. The videos cover torso contractions, side and circular stretches, retires and much more!



The videos can be accessed through this website:

http://www.monkeysee.com/play/9839-contemporary-dance-for-beginners

Butterworth's model

The sheet we were given in class has been stuck on my pin board and I noticed it today as I was choreographing for Assignment Four (Choreography presentation).

I decided to see what information I could find out about the model online. - however, I got pulled in another direction by this great website -

http://www.butterdance.org/ - Butterworth Dance Company.

This site provides evidence that dance is being combined with technology - as the site's homepage has a continuous video playing from the moment you click in to it.

The videos captivated me and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them. I feel that if this website had not included videos on their homepage I would not have included it in my blog.

The videos grabbed my attention and I think that could be a reason why, some people believe that technology is the future for dance, as it draws people in, makes them watch and lets them enjoy.

Cheoreographing in class!

Today my teacher provided me with a sheet which sets out the characteristics of different kinds of choreographers, the sheet is much more helpful then the information I found online. The sheet got me thinking about my own personal approach to the next assignment.

Learning to be a cheoreographer online..

Another assessment for PHSE 235 is choreographing a 3-5 minute piece in a site specific location.

I have looked up different websites which offer advice on how to choreograph a dance and found they are quite different to one another.

The websites I like best are:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2060692_choreograph-dance-routine.html

http://www.wikihow.com/Choreograph-a-Dance

Black Grace

Whenever I am working on this journal I am always amazed at how much the internet truly is a gateway to discovery and knowledge of contemporary dance.

The internet allows me to watch and enjoy various Black Grace performances, I don't have to leave my room - I can choose to pause the show, or re-watch certain segments, which is something that can not be done during live performances.

I think it is just amazing what I can be found online! I found an interview with Neil Leremia. Neil is the artistic director and founder of the company. The interview increased my knowledge of Black Grace and I will attach it to this post.

Putting a New Zealand twist on it..

I have always held an interest in Black Grace, New Zealand's leading contemporary dance company, ever since my older sister took me to see one of their shows in Auckland.



Their website is =
http://www.blackgrace.co.nz/

On this website there is a production archive which allows people to read up on previous performances they have had.

Black grace makes use of technology in their performances, as they use projection of images onto screens during their shows.

Searching Contemporary Dance

.....When I typed in 'Contemporary Dance' into google there were - 26,200,000 results.
There were three contemporary dance videos which I watched- all three seemed perfect.


... An hour later.. when I re-googled the word contemporary dance - 32,300,000 results where found.

This time Images of contemporary dance were on the first page :




I find it interesting that the number of results vary, I view it as proof that the connection of dance and the internet is forever changing!

Technology- dance on screen

Michelle Mahrer discusses the way that technology can change dance.

In Mahrer's opinion the moving body is 'the essential element in the film landscape' (p.95). Technology has shaped the way people view things and absorb information, camera angles and lighting and manipulate the way an image is shown.

Technology plays a role in the way people view dance. Amy Greenfield (American dance film-maker/choreographic) suggests that a camera comes in between dancer and viewer, as it controls what the viewer sees and in her opinion: 'the viewer doesn't see the dance directly' (p.95)

From- 'Is technology the future for dance?' (1996)

Andy and Jane Arthur

Andy and Jane Arthur are writers of an article in 'Is there technology the future of dance?' .The reading does not link directly with the internet, but fits nicely as its a discussion of dance and technology.

Andy and Jane Arthur share their opinions on dance and technology and list some of the ways in which dance has made use of technology.

- The human body is not made to be able to stand on the points of toes. In ballet there is an illusion created through the technology of pointe shoes - they create the effect that dancers are weightlessness.

-Dance outfits which are made form lycra 'incorporates sophisticated clothing technology'

- Still or moving images of live/pre recorded events when they are projected onto a screen technology is being used greatly.

Learning more..

Throughout this assignment I have struggled to pull away from some of the websites I have found myself on!

In class we have been discussing Contemporary dance as an art form in the 20th century -including how it has evolved. There are many, many websites which offer information on this topic and as I have been reading through them I feel I have extended my knowledge of what I have learnt in class.

'It was during the explosion of new thinking and exploration in the early 20th century that dance artists began to appreciate the qualities of the individual, the necessities of ritual and religion, the primitive, the expressive and the emotional'

'The twentieth century was indeed a period of breaking away from everything that ballet stood for. It was a time of unprecedented creative growth, for dancers and choreographers. It was also a time of shock, surprise and broadening of minds for the public, in terms of their definitions of what dance was. It was a revolution in the truest sense.'

http://www.experiencefestival.com/a/History_of_dance_-_Early_20th_century_from_ballet_to_contemporary_dance/id/1472975

From doing that yesterday

I have decided to look at images of dance today, but still remain looking at Black Contemporary dance....

..... well, sadly, I did not manage to find many images.

There were some amazing dancing pictures though. It was rather difficult to find images which had a focus on Black Contemporary dance.

Pearl Primus

Pearl Primus Born 29/11/19 - Died 29/10/94

She was also a choreographer, dancer and anthropologist. She promoted African dance forms and wanted people to view and understand them as important.

The following quotes were taken from this website-
http://www.yale.edu/ynhti/curriculum/units/1995/2/95.02.03.x.html

'modern dance looks to the expressive needs of the individual rather than to European models for its movement techniques'.

'Modern dance is expressionistic, and so any position necessary to create the desired effect is acceptable'

'Blacks were denied entrance to ballet careers so modern dance became the method of dance by which they could shine'

In class & online..

There is some really good information available online about Black dance and as it matches with what we have looked at in class recently, I have decided to research it further.

Black pioneer in modern dance Katherine Dunham has been called the creator of African-American Modern dance. She held a strong connection with Dance Anthropology and choreographed over 90 different dances. Dunham ran the Katherine Dunham Dance Company for over thirty years.

There were beautiful images of Katherine Dunham so I have attached some -

Loving discovery..

Douglas Dunn's 'Talking dance' was put up during class, I copied it down into my book and was reading it over and wondered if there was anything about it online. Sadly, I didn't have any luck but I found something else (on a Douglas Dunn page) which I think is really cool -

I dance to obliterate duration.

I dance to dignify form as content.

I dance to equalize figure & surround.

I dance to put intuition in conversation with thought.

I dance to demonstrate the great facility & ridiculous limits of the un-accoutered human body.

I dance not to be stuck in one position.

I dance in order to stand up straight.

I dance because you don't have to carry your instrument.

I dance because I can't wait to be asked.

I dance to achieve a vital, non-heroic presence.

I dance to shrink to an irreducible kernel of purified being.

I dance to arouse things out there that have not yet done so to enter my mind.

I dance to have a say in what I submit to.

I dance to forget why I dance.

- http://douglasdunndance.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=14&Itemid=31Itemid=31

... The most viewed clip..

I was surfing online and some how the video clip 'evolution of dance' appeared, so i clicked it and watched it again. The clip is really interesting to watch :



I decided to look up more about it and discovered that it was the most viewed YouTube clip. Which I think it awesome that a dance clip is the most viewed clip!

Internet has opened up access to dance - The fact that a dancing video clip is the most viewed clip on YouTube proves that people are accessing dance through the internet, it is available to
them and people are enjoying its availability!

Looking more closely...

Today I was trying to truly research my topic.
A website which I found interesting was: http://www.dancemass.tv/

Dawn DeMendonca, the creator and founder of the online dance studio believes: 'The internet allows dancers to gain more exposure, earn income online and generate more awareness...now with making good use of modern technology, and some marketing knowledge dancers can now look forward to having that opportunity to share their passion on a mass scale'.

This website is giving artists the ability to teach dance online, and get paid for it! Websites like this one are becoming more common, a person wishing to learn dance no longer has to leave their house, but just connect to the internet.

Trying to reveal..

My dialogic journal is my attempt of revealing the often seen as 'invisible' connection of dance and the internet.

The internet has made so much knowledge available.

Dance lessons are available online!
Famous dancer's bibliographies
Videos of dance
Information on the history of dance.

Discovering Laban Movement

Although I was wanting to find out more about Laban's writing, the internet guided me in a different direction!

The internet has given me the ability to see for myself what Laban movement actually looks like. The dancers in this video are using Laban's movement theory:

..Making decisions

I had an idea which was to focus on some of the course reader articles and then see if I could find out more about the topic they discuss online.

The making of Modern Dance - Rudolf Laban (the nightmare years in Zurich 1014-1919).
This article discuses the journey of Laban, describing key moment which occurred on the journey.There was a section about when he left Zurrich in 1919 -Laban had written his first book -'Die Welt des Tanzers, a visionary wor In Funf Gedankereigen' .

I have decided that I will search online for more information on Laban's writing.

..Quick thought on the internet

Dance is absolutely huge on the internet -
Anyone can post a video of themselves dancing - any style. The internet (to me) has opened up the dance world. It it so easy to learn more about contemporary dance!!

Contemporary dance

I am interested in viewing some contemporary dances pieces and the internet makes this so simple for me,

I viewed this amazing dance -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdESlHprO1U

There are so many others! Dancers are able to post videos on YouTube and other aspiring dancers can view them and leave comments if they wish. Viewing other people dancing can help improve your own and can extend your mind when it comes to the body's possible movements.

... thinking more

The interent has opened up peoples ability in learning about dance.

Dr. Alex Kolb spoke to our class about the early pioneers of 20th Century European dance and I was able to learn about this topic by searching it online, and finding an online journal to read :

'Re-thinking dance history' -

http://books.google.co.nz/books?id=YTGEJEYsxLIC&pg=PA170&lpg=PA170&dq=20th+century+european+dance&source=bl&ots=DXJo3DU6Ir&sig=vn_wQIteX2tmRGzkl-eObQ6ruNk&hl=en&ei=69kgSsfiKaCWtgPi6q2HBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1

I also thoroughly enjoyed reading the article on this website -

http://www.earthlydelights.com.au/history6.htm

Slight success

I stumbled across this book called 'Invisible Connections: dance, choreography and internet communities' Which takes the stand similar to the previous book I read through ( Is Technology the future for dance?).

The approach taken is different to my intended one, as it discusses the effect that the internet and technology can have on dance and performance. There is belief that the internet 'offers new platforms for dance theatre in performing and creating their work'

Researching..

Today is the first day of the holidays and I am going to try and update my blog regularly...

I just spent some time trying to find more articles on this topic, but I didn't have much luck. I think this topic is extremely interesting, with endless possibilities, and it is to late now to change my journal topic so I won't give up, instead I will just keep searching for more articles!

Is technology the future for dance?

Jane Westbrook (1995), believes that dance and technology are combined in terms of 'design'. She believes that technology is mainly used as a source of image -
"as ' decoration', an articulation of space, the technical space occupied by a body or bodies, or as source of sound" pg.16.

Trying to answer the question.

Robin Grove - In 'Is technology the future of dance' states that ' technology is where dance has always been.... I see dance as one of the forms of technology itself'.

The lighting and music which are involved in dance add to the technological aspect of a dance performance.

Dance as art

About a month ago Dr Denys Trussell came and spoke to our class about the topic - 'Dance as art'

Today I tried to see if I could find any relevant information connected with his discussion and found an awesome article by Anne-Marie Daley-Peoples.

Daley-Peoples states that -
"Modern dance is an art as elusive as it is great. No one has ever offered an all-inclusive, totally satisfying definition if it"

I feel that dance is a great art form which is difficult to define, I feel that it is up to the individual to define what dance is, what it means, or what it does for them.

- Anne-Marie Daley-Peoples' discussion-
http://www.nzartmonthly.co.nz/daly-peoples_029.html

wow...

http://www.learning2dance.com/

' We are the only website on the internet that offers online dance lessons, dance videos and shows by professionals and world renounced instructors at the touch of your mouse button'

Online dance lessons!!
The discovery of this site was just by chance - I feel it is a truly amazing website.

Dance no longer has to be exercised, performed, or learnt through physical contact. Dance lessons are available online and they are treated as real. Cyber-lessons.

The dance world seems to be forever changing!

As thoughts emerge..

In keeping with the requirements of this task I am trying to record my thoughts on this topic as they emerge.
I have been thinking today about the literature that I should look for regarding this topic...

I have requested from the library a book called- 'Is technology the future for dance?' and I have high hopes that it will be helpful!

The google search

I am letting my thoughts guide the direction of my research.. so I thought what better way to start my journal then on my home page. Today, I googled the word 'DANCE'.

I was shocked to discover there were 442,000,000 results.
There were three video clips on the first page...


Which were..

Fallout boy - Dance Dance Dance
Evolution of Dance
Jabbawockeez Best Americas Best Dance Crew winners.

These videos are from a popular website called YouTube.
I discovered that YouTube has so many dance videos available - there are even lessons on how to dance particular styles.

With 442,000,000 results I am now aware that the connection between internet and dance is A LOT bigger then I thought it was!!

Where it all begins...

PHSE 235 Assignment 2 Dialogic Journal

I have an interest in 'Dance and the Internet', so I am going to research and look in depth at the 'access of dance' in terms of the internet. I will explore the connection of 'Dance and the Internet' and try to discover the aspects of this connection.


By creating an online blog I will record my thoughts and have conversations with myself regarding this topic. The blog will allow me to provide evidence of relevant background reading, quotes, and critical discussion. As my topic is 'Dance and the Internet' - it makes sense that my dialogic journal is presented as an online blog.

I will keep in mind what is key to this exercise - the development of my ideas!
I wonder where 'Dance and the Internet' will take me!!