Presenter(s): Denae Brocksmith − Dance
Faculty Mentor(s): Shannon Mockli
Creative Work Session 4
Research Area: Performing arts, Film/Media
Funding: UROP Mini-grant
Screendance is an emergent medium that is the marriage between the arts of choreography and film. With support from a UROP mini-grant, I was able to attend a workshop presented by renown filmmaker and composer Thierry de Mey in Salt Lake City. The workshop focused on how the processes of capturing movement and editing film can add to the artistic process of choreography. With this fresh knowledge, I began creating a screendance with a local production team headed by Jake Reynolds of Reyn Photography and FPW Media. For this project, beyond the workshop, the research is in the practice and process. I have investigated what it is to create a film from a choreographic perspective, and the relationships between choreographer, camera man, director, sound engineer, editor, music composer, dancer, and costume designer/coordinator. Within the practice of choreographing and creating a screendance, I’ve created a piece with a subject that explores theories of how we accept our inevitable end, death. The research on this subject matter stems from being reawakened to these concepts and theories as dear elderly loved ones come near the end of their lives. For me, this project is not only practical research, but personal exploration as well.