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.