Students Create Solo Composition/Dance Film Screening to Share Works
Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Professor of Dance Ting-Yu Chen ’20, Ed.D., hosted a solo composition and dance film screening with a talkback session on Thursday, May 14, in Zoom to showcase the work of the students in her solo composition class. The dancers were tasked with creating dance films with the space they have access to and using various social issues (i.e., COVID-19, racial inequality, elections, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ relations, etc.) as entry points inspiring their work. The films were released for independent viewing on Friday, May 8, in advance of the talkback session on Thursday, May 14.
I have watched almost all of them — and like each one for totally different reasons! First, let me say how incredibly helpful it is that they begin by explaining it! Who would have thought the amazing creativity that can happen in a park, a bathroom, a garage, a street, in the rain, among the flowers, etc. Thanks for sending this to me . . . I needed that inspiration!
– President Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D.
These are beautiful! This is my favorite Covid response so far. Cheers!
– Director of Shenandoah Center for Immersive Learning JJ Ruscella, M.F.A.
Thank you SO much for sharing these wonderful compositions of film and dance! At first I was blown away, but then I paused and thought ‘this is exactly what I expected, just more.’ I was so deeply moved by the students’ creativity and vision, but most of all, by the uniqueness of their creative voices. Kudos and standing ‘o’ to you all for doing what you do and for birthing these voices.
– Visiting Associate Professor of Theatre Martha Wollner, M.F.A.
Congratulations to you and to all your students! I loved the performances! All of them are remarkable. ‘Grasp’ by Claudia B. was really touching to me (the topic selection has a lot to do with it). I was fascinated by Claudia’s choreography, particularly the part when she does the mechanical/automotive movements with her hands (it reminded me of the 80s robot-style dancing that I was so fond of growing up). I was also very captivated by the piece ‘How Long Does It Take to Drown’ from Abby G. I was wondering where the narration came from? The words/dance combination was so strong (I could not help but cry when I saw it). What about V Cangelosi’s ‘All Can Steer the Circle!’ I am obsessed by her choice of scenario, her intro (great choice to avoid narrating it and imposing a gendered perspective) and choreography. Brilliant! I would love to use the project in my class (if the student grants me permission) since this is one of the topics my students in 202 research in depth. ‘See Color’ by Ashayla B., what a visual treat! I never thought that an exploration of racial inequality could lift my spirit. Simply awesome!
– Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies Adela Borrallo-Solis, Ph.D.
