The Cohort was the main cast for this project as they were required to attend all rehearsals and outings in preparation for the Senior Dance Thesis Concert.

 

To curate an environment that would lend itself as a safe space, it was important to put people in the room that had relationships with each other. I chose very close friends that I had the opportunity to learn more about through dance. It was vital to build an environment with people that would entertain and appreciate the goals of this project as well as invest time into the dance and solo making processes I had planned. Furthermore, it was important to put specific people in the space so that the environment was conducive to becoming a community and dancers would feel comfortable sharing themselves with each other.

 

The Role of Film and Photography

This project advocates for the recognition of definitions of blackness and points to black dance as a medium able to capture the diversity and the resounding influence of black movements and travel. Listening to the body can reveal what it has had to learn or unlearn. Therefore, it was extremely important to consistently emphasize an uplift and validation towards all movements and dance made by black bodies.  The movements done in our everyday lives gives insight into memories, people, settings, and environments. 

 

Acknowledging everyday activity can further expand what is understood as black dance.

By documenting our daily actions such as talking to each other, cooking in the kitchen, doing our hair, or any other personal habits, there was an examination of expression outside of studio spaces. Along with a cast of dancers, there was a production cast with the addition of the documentation element.