Jazz Project-A Dance Film

Presenter: Shannon Knight, Dance

Jazz Project-A Dance Film, is an exploration in choreography for the camera, and layering of urban footage and still photography set to music that includes works by George Gershwin and Duke Ellington. The overall appearance of the short film is reminiscent of early cinematography. It is in black and white, and includes period costumes, and creative use of lighting. Over thirty hours of footage have been collected from studio rehearsals, live stage performances and site-specific improvisations. The research and editing process for this film began one year ago, and has ultimately helped to manifest a product that is nostalgic, unique and takes the viewer on a journey through urban scenery of Eugene, Portland, OR and Pittsburgh, PA. Most of the performers featured in this film are University of Oregon Dance students or Alumni. This film has earned remarks for being so original, and exhibiting a very well developed abstract of Classical Jazz Movement. The music, imagery and overall aesthetic of the film suggests close attention to a time in early twentieth century industrial America, and reflects one artist’s interpretation of a form perhaps now lost, but not forgotten.