Distance Learning Through Dance On Film

Dance on film is nothing new to the dance world and what students of our Advanced Technique/Improvisation class have dived into head first since the stay-at-home order was put in place.  The class evolved into an opportunity to share and create work through conceptual video submissions under the guidance of Adjunct Professor Kathy Gordon Smith.  While staying sensitive to the individual needs of our students during this time, Professor Smith helped them adapt to the experience of distance learning by balancing technique with creative film projects.  Professor Smith is no stranger to dance on film in her own work and saw the opportunity to introduce its effectiveness toward learning, creativity and healing in her technique class.  This is what Kathy had to say when asked about the outcome of this semester’s effort.

“The work is subjective, it’s not black or white.  I gave them freedom, a little space and they were able to navigate, to come out of their sadness and disappointment.”

The need for flexibility and adaptability has been the number one priority this semester and our students did exactly that.  Through thoughtful efforts, encouragement and hard work, the seeds of creativity have emerged into wonderful dances on film.  From Jordan Roberts' use of special graphics, to Kaylee Mahan's desire for original music created in collaboration with accompanist/composer Michael DeQuattrro, every work exemplifies the choreographic imagination of the individual. 

A work in progress, this page will remain under construction indefinitely to potentially add submissions, descriptions and titles.  Please enjoy the work of our remarkable dancers!

Video Projects

Brianna Antaya, Senior

Title: To Speak of Isolation

“To Speak of Isolation” is a piece fusing elements of performative art with film. Every camera placement was carefully planned to capture the immersive experience of dance theater in a site specific, natural environment as opposed to its formal setting of a stage area. The concept of the piece grasps my personal experience in our new way of living, in quarantine and social isolation. It is a reflection of my new found peace with isolation. I’ve learned to find comfort and solace in the wonders of the natural world. As I use my new found free time to hike and explore, I’ve become inspired by the nature around me which became the driving force behind this concept.

Mikala Bartley, Junior

Untitled

Emery Feagin, Sophomore

Title: Angsty

The name of my piece is "angsty", the song is called Angst in My Pants by Sparks, and it was choreographed and performed by myself. I don't have much to say about it, I was feeling angsty and sad and I desperately needed to be playful but I wanted to acknowledge what I was feeling so I created this piece. It made sense to me and it was a cathartic release of the emotions I had been experiencing for the past couple months.

Meryl Gendreau, Senior

Untitled

The purpose of this piece was to incorporate movement that felt authentic to me, while trying to add in a snapshot of the abundance I have learned at Roger Williams. I am trying to reflect on what feels right to me, while using the tools I have learned to make decisions everyday during this difficult time. I am thankful for the ability to continue moving remotely!”

Jenna Gross, Senior

Title: You Should

"You Should” reflects on the pressures of performing on stage and in daily life. I constructed this work by examining common facial expressions and then used them literally and abstractly in the face, body, and space.

Nicole St. Laurent, Sophomore

Title: 42 Feet

The work I created is based around various age groups and their feelings towards the pandemic. It starts with the youngest age group and moves six feet up the driveway with each new group. I asked each person to send me three words that described how they felt, and I formed my movement regarding their section around those words. By the end, I have moved 42 feet, which would be the amount of space taken up if they were to all stand next to each other in regards to the social distancing guidelines.

Shaelyn Lelievre, Senior

Titled: Arrived

My final movement exploration entitled "Arrived" was a culmination of what would have been my Jr/Sr piece and a scored improvisation, reminiscing on my college experience. The title "Arrived" stems from the unconventional feeling of arriving at the end of my college journey and closing the chapter, to enter a new one. The sound score, "At Last" sang by Etta James, felt just right to describe the feeling I wanted to express throughout the work.

Jillian MacLaughlin, Senior

Title: “Confined in Orange”

This solo, which I have been referring to as “Confined in Orange”, is a reflection of the isolation being experience by the masses during the Covid-19 pandemic. When making this solo I wanted to convey the emotions and essence of longing, loneliness, and solitude. (Lyrics are from Honeywaters “So Little Time”.) 

Kaylee Mahan, Senior

Title: 14-1

14-1 was the work that I created as a sort of closure of my senior year. I incorporated the work that had been started in the Barn but unable to be completed. It was going to be my senior dance theatre piece. I worked alongside accompanist Michael DeQuattro with the sound. I came in this semester with the idea of wanting to create a work from scratch and that included the sound. A dance that showcased people and their passions. Through movement and sound. The sound, however, had nothing to do with the movement creation, a method or chance. With the sudden shift of plans, focus, and the world this piece was something I wanted to continue to work on. Therefore I worked to create a solo version of a work that was being created for 14. Hence 14-1. This video showcases the beginning process of just that. I work to continue expanding this solo/ work.

Natasha McLeod, Junior

Untitled

Jordan Roberts, Sophomore

Title: Time Moves Slow

Time Moves Slow showcases the eerie feeling this pandemic has left me with, from finishing classes from home to the ghost-like streets in my town. I’ve been in this really blasé head-space with little bursts of energy wanting to be able to take me places that, at the moment, I cannot get to. This solo work represents reaching for what I long to have again, while also shedding light on the frustrations that come with life continuing to progress despite most of it being at a standstill.