Each month in 2018, we are highlighting one dance writing site. In January, we took a weekly read of Dance Tabs; February focused on loveDANCEmore. For March, we explored dance-enthusiast.com, and April looked at thINKingDANCE.
Reading thINKingDANCE throughout April 2018:
April 3rd = I read 3 reviews
Citizen Displaced by Andrew Sargus Klein
This is actually a review of something that was streamed live. I appreciated the attempt to write a review of a streamed event.
Deciphering Roots by Amelia Rose Estrada
I had just seen Wang Ramirez out here in Berkeley, CA. This review is of a different show, Monchichi. I appreciated the quick read. I also like the format of thINKingDANCE, with each writer's picture and short bio in the right column on the screen.
The Geography Trilogy Screening by Carolyn Merritt
The third piece I read was Carolyn Merritt's response to the screening of Ralph Lemon's Geography Trilogy. She provided some background on the project, and then her experience and impressions of each of the three parts.
I was pleasantly surprised by the end of the piece - a few words about the audience at the event (YES!), plus a few last sentences giving context on how the piece got funded.
These last two ideas - audience and funding - makes me question and pose to the dance writing community....what if these two topics became more of a regular component of a review? What layers would that add? For example, a little detail on the funding can provide us with an ounce of context on size, scale, partnerships, and timelines.
April 7 = 1 new review is up
Joy in the Journey by Patricia Graham
I am pleased with this piece for two reasons - it is about an informal, "low tech" performance. Thank you to Patricia Graham for honoring the mixed-bill, informal performance. There are many of these, and I know that the artists appreciate writing about these events as well. Second, I like the short length, but enough words to share a little something about each artist on the bill.
April 17th = Kat Sullivan's response to a recent conversation with Bill T. Jones
Today, I enjoy reading the response to a recent conversation (broadcast live on Facebook) between Bill T. Jones and Deanna Haggag. Read the piece here, and watch/experience the original conversation yourself here.
I actually read Sullivan's piece first, and then began watching the original conversation (admittedly, not done with it yet). This is the second time reading something on thINKing Dance that is about a live streamed event. This is a clever way to keep expanding our notions of art experience and what we can write about. It expands ideas of access and options.
April 21st = Jenna Horton's response to a show at the Annenberg Center
Back on the site, I see a new review published by Jenna Horton. Clicking on the link, I first assess the piece's length (relatively short). I read the writer's bio on the side (a feature I like on thINKing Dance). I am impressed that the site also reviews touring companies and work in larger venues.
I read Horton's response to DanzAbierta's Malson. Horton is critical of many components of the piece. The writer sounds unfulfilled, but still completes the task of writing and sharing a response to the performance. Even thousands of miles away, and unfamiliar with this particular dance company, I value the writing and am happy I took the time to do this quick read.
Appreciations:
Lots to appreciate about the writing come out of Philadelphia with thINKingDANCE, including:
- New content getting published on a regular basis
- The organization's commitment to cultivating, supporting, and mentoring the next generation of dance writers
- Variety in reviews - from full evening works to mixed bill programs
- Numerous contributors sharing on the site
Thank you to the staff and mentors @ thINKingDANCE for a model example for building the next generation of dance writers in the United States!
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