The unearthly sight of seeing bodies fly into the air keeps San Francisco audiences coming back. Scott Wells has been choreographing his impressive performances since the late 1990’s, which is apparently how long it takes to become known in the Bay Area. Indeed, Wells' shows are among the few contemporary dance productions to often sell out.
Scott clusters acrobatic and contact dance scores together to create fluid masculine dances. Picture weight-bearing bodies mixed with a running jump through the air, followed by a profound catch. Those with gymnastics and dance training in his company soar through the air and land on two feet as if their world had not just been turned upside down.
Many choreographers in San Francisco are influenced by Wells’ risky athletic dance style and have developed their own hybrid of his moves, or have set them in a completely different context altogether.
With the use of contact improvisation, props, music, costume and the subtle hilarious interactions between dancers, Wells’ pieces morph into performances that arouse and inspire athletic and sensual movement.
Acrobatic Contemporary Dance
Scott Wells' Powerful Performances Dazzle Bay Area Attendees
Trend Themes
1. Acrobatic Contemporary Dance - Opportunity for innovative choreography that combines acrobatics and contact dance to create visually stunning performances.
2. Hybrid Dance Styles - Opportunity to develop new dance styles by combining influences from different choreographers and contexts.
3. Enhanced Performance Experience - Opportunity to incorporate contact improvisation, props, music, costume, and interactions to create more immersive and engaging dance performances.
Industry Implications
1. Performing Arts - Disruptive innovation opportunity in the performing arts industry by pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance and creating unique experiences for audiences.
2. Choreography - Opportunity for choreographers to explore new movement techniques and styles by drawing inspiration from acrobatic contemporary dance and its hybrid forms.
3. Dance Education - Opportunity to incorporate acrobatic and contact dance elements into dance education programs, providing students with a well-rounded training experience.