Dancers Reframe Their Practice – Bringing Fresh Perspectives to Campus Spaces in the Process

BRISTOL, RI Covid-19 was particularly altering for those in athletic and ensemble-oriented fields – but RWU dancers were fortunate to have the support they needed to keep on the move:  Athletics and the University Library shared their outdoor spaces, the administration allowed classes and performances to take place in site-specific outdoor locales, the dance faculty engineered new curriculum design at warp speed, and the dancers were game for a new kind of practice, as long as they could forge it together.

RWU’s close-knit community of dancers made a promise – to spin the pandemic’s limitations around, and invert challenges into catalysts for innovation.  In doing so, the Dance and Performance Studies Program exemplified its vital role in interdisciplinary and embodied learning, student health and well-being, and community building.  The dancers take the ultimate credit though – for their talent, team work and yes, we can attitude.

The Dance Theatre’s site-specific dance tour, Take It Outside! was just one example of how the Dance and Performance Studies Program kept dancing, composing, and performing during the spring of 2021.  Expanding the fall semester’s successful model, the 33-member Dance Theatre company performed in the works of 5 student choreographers, 1 faculty, and 1 guest artist – as well as 2 video installations that were woven within the context of the live performances.  Audience members were led through a 9-site tour of RWU’s scenic Bristol campus – and experienced the fresh lens that site-specific choreography and dancing can bring to spaces, places, and vantage points.

Here’s a peek of Dance Theatre dancers – on the move and making things happen

*Photos by Adjunct Professor of Dance and Performance Studies, Nikki Lee.

* Video filmed / edited by Adjunct Professor of Dance and Performance Studies, Andy Russ.