Photo Credit: Joe Goode Performance Group (RJ Muna)
Each week following an artist's post, reflection questions and research ideas will get posted. These are aimed towards college level courses (senior seminar, composition, dance education, and more), but of course anyone can read the postscript and find thought-provoking questions and activities.
Further Questions: After reading the post about artist Melecio Estrella, what questions do you have for him? Write into Blog Designer Jill Randall, and several questions will get answered on Friday. Click on "Email Me" in the column to the right.
"Sub-Sets" of Modern Dance: Melecio mentioned three distinct styles within modern dance: contact improvisation, dance theater (Joe Goode), and aerial dance (Project Bandaloop). When you consider all of the different categories within modern dance - including site specific dance, multigenerational work, dance for the camera, etc. - what have you explored and experienced as a student, performer, and audience member? What styles really interest you and speak to you?
Collaboration: Melecio said, "I am constantly learning and practicing what it is to be a collaborator." In your own words, what does it mean to be a collaborator? What collaborative projects have you been a part of? What were your strengths and struggles within the projects? How will you approach your next project differently?
Curiosity and Risk: Melecio advised young dancers to be curious and take risks. Reflect on each idea. What are you curious about creatively right now? In your training and technique classes? How is "risk" a part of your dance life right now? How do curiosity and risk relate to collaborative work?
"The Dance Hustle": As Melecio described, he has a patchwork schedule that includes his rehearsing, teaching, choreographing, and other work. Combined, he has a full life in the arts. What is your patchwork schedule like, or what might it look like in the near future? What are the benefits of having this kind of schedule? While many dancers have schedules like this out of necessity, how can we put a positive spin on it?
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