The Experimental Dance Project
Performed by Lesly Rodriguez, Minnie Atkins, and Caiser LeBoss
Video recording of a dance score
Abstract This abstract is for the presentation on The Experimental Dance Project. The Experimental Dance Project gave us the opportunity to work collaboratively with LXS DXS, a dance collective of artists of color from the bay area. Through the course of the Experimental Dance Project, we felt as if we were constantly evolving and growing. During each rehearsal, we pushed ourselves to show up and be present. This project exposed us to ideas and techniques that we could use in dance making – voice, text, and breath. Working with LXS DXS provided us with the tools to address whatever political, social, cultural, or personal concerns we have as dancers, and as members of society. We practiced consent, and setting boundaries, we participated in practices that relate to Ball culture (a queer performance style and subculture connecting to fashion, dance, survival, and building community), we were invited to bring our own personal research into the work, we recognized the history of the land we currently occupy, and our own personal histories and how they connect and divide us. Artistically we have opened our minds to the possibilities of interpretive art. Before we were used to things being so three dimensional with dancing having steps and movement and choreography dance was something aimed for entertainment, instead of an actual learning experience. This project was crucial for society because it shows that people from different backgrounds, upbringings, and cultures can operate enthusiastically while learning from each other to create a stronger bond.
Summary of Research Results The community built throughout our experience with the Experimental Dance Project, is very relevant to our current cultural climate. In our current climate that is so polarized, we believe there’s something very inspiring about watching a group of different individuals dancing together with mutual respect, kindness, and generosity. We also went through a lot of moments where we were very vulnerable with each other, many intimate thoughts and feelings we shared with one another, and lots of trust in our practices. We believe there is a lot of activism in being vulnerable, sharing your experiences with other people and trusting them to accept you as an individual with your own identity. As experimental dancers we have discovered dance has no limit, no structure, no set direction, rather it has limitless potential to express political, social, cultural, and conceptual themes through movement.
JUNCTURE 