Researching the Differences and Commonalities of the Minnesotan Collegiate and Professional Dancer: a Documentary Exploring Individual Philosophies as the Dancer
Location
CSU 201
Start Date
21-4-2014 10:00 AM
End Date
21-4-2014 11:00 AM
Student's Major
Theatre and Dance
Student's College
Arts and Humanities
Mentor's Name
Daniel Stark
Mentor's Email Address
daniel.stark@mnsu.edu
Mentor's Department
Theatre and Dance
Mentor's College
Arts and Humanities
Description
When considering our society, where objectified beauty is prized, where extreme religion beliefs can provoke negative judgments, and where there are still laws regulating women’s bodies, the question arises: how do dancers navigate through these issues? Are dancers excluded from this societal pressure because they exist in an artistic sub-culture, or are dancers more aware of these issues because they are engaged in an artistic endeavor based on the human body? Dancers are a minority in an academic setting as well as a societal setting: what do they think of this? How do they view themselves as a member of society? How does being a dancer influence their personal philosophies? Do societal standards of beauty affect how they view their bodies? This documentary film, comprised of interviews with both collegiate and professional dancers, explores the complex dynamic between dancers and society. Through intimate, one-on-one interviews with dancers of varying ages, the film reveals the differences these artists have in how they perceive their personal relationship to society. Similarities and differences between the dancers’ philosophies are brought to light by combining the interviews into one film. Through this documentary, the film is able to show audiences, both inside and outside of the performing arts community, how dancers think and the way by which their views on society affects their craft.
Researching the Differences and Commonalities of the Minnesotan Collegiate and Professional Dancer: a Documentary Exploring Individual Philosophies as the Dancer
CSU 201
When considering our society, where objectified beauty is prized, where extreme religion beliefs can provoke negative judgments, and where there are still laws regulating women’s bodies, the question arises: how do dancers navigate through these issues? Are dancers excluded from this societal pressure because they exist in an artistic sub-culture, or are dancers more aware of these issues because they are engaged in an artistic endeavor based on the human body? Dancers are a minority in an academic setting as well as a societal setting: what do they think of this? How do they view themselves as a member of society? How does being a dancer influence their personal philosophies? Do societal standards of beauty affect how they view their bodies? This documentary film, comprised of interviews with both collegiate and professional dancers, explores the complex dynamic between dancers and society. Through intimate, one-on-one interviews with dancers of varying ages, the film reveals the differences these artists have in how they perceive their personal relationship to society. Similarities and differences between the dancers’ philosophies are brought to light by combining the interviews into one film. Through this documentary, the film is able to show audiences, both inside and outside of the performing arts community, how dancers think and the way by which their views on society affects their craft.
Recommended Citation
Burch, Sydney. "Researching the Differences and Commonalities of the Minnesotan Collegiate and Professional Dancer: a Documentary Exploring Individual Philosophies as the Dancer." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 21, 2014.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2014/oral_sesson_01/4
