Triangulation- An example of the possibilities

Last weekend I participated in Triangulation. The one day performance consisted in successful collaboration amongst technicians and artists. Perhaps this is an unfair separation as the creative use of technology clearly constituted art. I was most impressed with the Rome, Italy to NYC connection. Through using the internet, we were able to improvise with one another. Despite the great difference of space and time, a meeting ground was created that surpassed these two obstacles. The internet, technology, provided this space.

The pieces comprising the performance ranged in medium from flute, to film, synthesizers, dance, opera, and even animation. Despite the range of mediums used, the majority of the pieces focused on commemorating the 100 year anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire. This created a continuity within the evening.

Most impressionable to me were the possibilities that emerged from the evening. Many of the pieces were being presented for the first time. Space was provided to play, explore, and experiment with new technologies and new collaborations. From this, new ideas emerged. For example, members of the Ad Hoc Formations Dance Collective created a new piece based on imagining the lives of the unidentified people who died in the Shirtwaist Fire. John Gilbert's film "Triangle Fire" played in slow motion provided a stunning backdrop. Additionally, Sunyoung Park's skilled improvisation on the piano created a score perfect for the piece. This experience highlighted the possibility of cross-disciplinary artistic collaborations. It also demonstrated the ability of cross-disciplinary artistic collaborations to be enhanced through the use of technology.

The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire created numerous changes in our society. Many labor laws, from which we still benefit today, were created in response to this tragedy. A new possibility for fairness in employment emerged. Therefore, it is fitting that the performance commemorating the fire revealed new possibilities.

Dancers from Triangulation:

Why use technology in dance? Don't kids get enough screen time already?

I have heard the argument that the dance classroom or studio should be one place that is free of the wired and wireless world of technology. At first, I agreed wholeheartedly. It is unfortunate that so much of a student's free time is spent with the Wii, the Xbox, or watching t.v. While some of these programs have attempted to incorporate fitness and physical activity, studies show that these are more beneficial for older adults, not children.
Nevertheless, in the professional dance studio and concert venue, technology abounds. It is continually used by artists in creating new forms of expression. In a class I taught yesterday, students gathered around an Iphone to watch a dance company. We then used what we saw to inspire our movements. Wireless access is difficult to obtain in the school, so the Iphone proved an effective, last minute backup. While not perfect, it worked. I have also used technology to analyze a classes own dance creations. I know that I am simply brushing the surface of possibilities of using technology in dance classes. By presenting the educational and artistic merits of technology, we give students another use for the technology they already operate.

Technology and Dance Education

From the moment I applied to Steinhardt's Masters in Dance Education, technology was utilized.  I submitted my five minute audition "tape" via Youtube.  I filmed the video on my Ipod, uploaded it to my computer, and simply sent a Youtube link to the university.  In my Technology Resources in the Arts class we are making a website, editing photos, and now creating a blog.  I have also used Youtube to aid in my choreography and rehearsal processes.

Video in dance is extremely important as it is difficult to keep a record of the art in a written form as is done in music.  Laban created a notation that is still used, however, its efficacy in reproducing pieces is debated. Making video more accessible to artists, I bought a refurbished Ipod for $80 that I use in my creation process.  Some of my professors also use video to teach choreography to new dancers.

Technology is also a valuable tool for advertising and providing public education about the arts.  As a result of dance's ephemeral nature, it is difficult to share.  If I am unable to see (or afford) a show, researching on the web is at least an alternative (though definitely not as interesting).  Technology allows us to share and learn more about the arts.