Kate-Watson-Wallace Anonymous Bodies Redefine Modern Dance
Jocelyn Lee — January 7, 2009 — Art & Design
References: katewawa
Ditching the stage and going public, Philadelphia based modern choreographer Kate Watson-Wallace is creating "site based performances that re-imagine everyday spaces." Except, it is not called ‘modern’ anymore, it is called, contemporary dance.
The implication of seeing a ‘modern dance performance’ often suggests spending more than the price of a movie ticket, to venture into a “rough” part of town to see “abstract” movement. However, with practically zero funds for the arts, securing an affordable theatre space is harder than retaining dancers. This is the least of Kate’s problems as her dances are contrived in and around familiar spaces.
Choreographer and Director of Kate-Watson-Wallace Anonymous Bodies, Kate has made work that takes place around a dinner table, in a closet, in a bathroom and with video allusion, in bed. Witnessing her dancers mold themselves into the nooks and crannies of these personal spaces is shocking yet significant to the social and economic challenges faced by artists today. Can’t afford to rent a proscenium theatre? Do it yourself, and make a dance in a bathroom. Even better, film it and play it on YouTube.
Kate’s second piece in her American Trilogy series, CAR, ventures into public space. From physical to psychological, her dancers personify the personal rituals occur in a car. CAR can also be viewed in full length online for FREE!
Site specific dancing gone digital is a win win situation and will lead modern dance into a realm of possibilities as social interaction rapidly changes.
The implication of seeing a ‘modern dance performance’ often suggests spending more than the price of a movie ticket, to venture into a “rough” part of town to see “abstract” movement. However, with practically zero funds for the arts, securing an affordable theatre space is harder than retaining dancers. This is the least of Kate’s problems as her dances are contrived in and around familiar spaces.
Choreographer and Director of Kate-Watson-Wallace Anonymous Bodies, Kate has made work that takes place around a dinner table, in a closet, in a bathroom and with video allusion, in bed. Witnessing her dancers mold themselves into the nooks and crannies of these personal spaces is shocking yet significant to the social and economic challenges faced by artists today. Can’t afford to rent a proscenium theatre? Do it yourself, and make a dance in a bathroom. Even better, film it and play it on YouTube.
Kate’s second piece in her American Trilogy series, CAR, ventures into public space. From physical to psychological, her dancers personify the personal rituals occur in a car. CAR can also be viewed in full length online for FREE!
Site specific dancing gone digital is a win win situation and will lead modern dance into a realm of possibilities as social interaction rapidly changes.
Trend Themes
1. Site Specific Dancing - The trend of site-specific dancing has the potential to revolutionize the modern dance scene by making performances more accessible and affordable.
2. Contemporary Dance - The transition from modern to contemporary dance reflects a shift towards more innovative and unconventional performance styles that challenge traditional dance norms.
3. Digital Performance - The rise of digital performance, as demonstrated by Kate Watson-Wallace's CAR piece, is a disruptive innovation opportunity that has the potential to democratize the dance industry by making performances accessible to a larger audience online.
Industry Implications
1. Performing Arts - The performing arts industry could benefit from encouraging site-specific and digital performance as a way to make dance more accessible to the general public and to address financial limitations faced by artists.
2. Technology - The technology industry has the potential to revolutionize the dance industry by creating new platforms for digital performance and making it easier for artists to create and distribute their work online.
3. Tourism - The tourism industry could benefit from collaborating with dancers and choreographers to create site-specific performances that showcase local culture and attractions, providing a unique and immersive experience for visitors.
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