Dance dance revolution : dance as more than spectacle

Abstract

When it comes to the performing arts, most people view them as "just for fun" or something entertaining. In an interview from Dance Magazine. Garnet Henderson said people always say her job is enjoyable. A common response would be "Oh, that's fun. I wish I could do something fun like that." While there are aspects of the arts that fall into that category, the arts are so much more than just fun. In fact, through my coursework at Ball State, I have come to challenge that statement. In my journalism/Telecommunications (TCOM) classes, I ain learning to dig deep and look past surface level answers; in my dance classes, I have come to understand the medium of dance in a much deeper and meaningful way. This creative thesis combines dance, journalism, and telecommunications in a podcast series that challenges the idea that dance is simply spectacle and entertaining. In my two pod cast episodes (titled "Dance Dance Revolution"), Rebecca Pappas and I interview experts in the field and dive into the work they are doing to advance dance in society. We also look at how dance experts are using dance to change and bring awareness to societal shortcomings (such as classism, racism, power struggles, etc ... to name a few). My role in the podcast included pre-recording research, organization of the interviews/sources, editing content, and question development. In this rationale, I will give an outline of my background with the topic, what went into the podcasts, and the decisions made to construct this two-episode series. Background My introduction to the topic of dance started at the ripe age of four. My mom enrolled me in dance classes, and I haven't looked back From a tiny ballerina to a college student pursuing a major in Dance Studies, I have always been passionate about the art form. But, throughout the last four years of my undergraduate degree, I've seen my understanding and passion about the art form grow and develop in ways I never would've imagined as a young and wide-eyed four-year-old. Growing up, dance brought me joy. It was a way for me to personally escape, as well as a way for my audience to escape. Plain and simple, it was fun. But, that was really all it was to me. It was an outlet of enjoyment and something I found entertaining as a performer and spectator. It wasn't until coming to Ball State University and diving into my majors: Dance, journalism (NEWS)/Telecommunications that I've come to understand that dance is more than spectacle. During my time at Ball State, I took classes that opened my eyes up to how dance is more than a just show. Dance, like any aspect of society, has racial, social, and societal flaws -whether the issues relate to how certain art forms are represented, who is credited for certain dance discoveries, or who is seen as the "ideal" dancer based on racejethnic preference, the art form is not immune to these issues. While dance may face some of these issues and others, dance also has the power to challenge these societal issues through the artform. Through text, close readings, historical viewings and other stimulating assignments, I have come to understand dance in a new light: a light that takes dance and transforms it into something all of society should notice. Coming to Ball State, it was my goal to be a "Voice for the Arts". However, my voice has grown to encompass so many more aspects of what dance is and what dance can do. Throughout my time working with Professor Rebecca Pappas and all the dance faculty, I have been challenged and stretched to think about the issues in the dance world, as well as how dance can challenge and shed light on societal flaws. After a Dance & Media class I took the fall of my junior year, Professor Pappas approached me about this pod cast series, and that is how my thesis came to be. All in all, these pod casts are a demonstration of my grasp and newfound knowledge of the power of dance.