Drive-In Dances
NEXT DRIVE IN DANCE: NOVEMBER 19TH 8PM @ CORNER OF 14TH ST & DODDS AVE
NEXT DRIVE IN DANCE: NOVEMBER 19TH 8PM @ CORNER OF 14TH ST & DODDS AVE
As the onset of COVID-19 deeply impacted our small theater’s ability to offer intimate, meaningful experiences for performers and audience members, we began exploring ways we could safely connect. In June of 2020, we hosted the first of our ongoing Drive In Dances series, bringing throngs of cars to a vacant lot on Dodds Avenue for one of the first COVID safe gatherings for many of us. Partnering with the dance artists of Collaborative Roots, this project was conceived and facilitated by Barking Legs’ Director Ann Law,
This group of dance artists is uniquely process-based, exploring collaboration, social justice issues, and vulnerability.
Since 2020, we have had three very different performances, each one thematically different from the next. The process begins with group discussions for the theme of the show, sharing personal experiences and any current events or trends that tie into that theme. The artists engage in a prompted 15-minute solo writing exercise; the writing structure is up to each person. Artists may write a story, poem, short essay, or whatever form of writing is appropriate for what they wish to express.
Then, we identify recurring phrases, themes, and images that appear across all the written pieces. We utilize the commonalities to inform us all as we write spoken word pieces for the performance, which may or may not be built from the text of what was initially written. Throughout this process, we use solo and group exercises to tap into personal meaning and creativity.
These collaborations are deeply honest and connecting as we consider the realities that each of us experience, making work as an act of radical listening.
The third phase is a series of one-on-one filming sessions with the dance artists. A facilitator films the artists reading what they wrote and discussing their thoughts and experiences in regard to the theme. By getting the artists to be present with their thoughts and digging deeper into what they wrote, the exercise results in recordings that are a mixture of prepared writing and improvised monologues which are then edited for time and context.
Fourth, local musicians are brought into the process, supporting the developed text and creating the musical foundation. The audio from these recordings is used for creating an original score, while the video portion is used only for reference by the participating artists as they work on the structures for their performance. The instrumental music and sounds are layered around and under each performer’s words in the final score.
With the direction of dance artist Ann Law, dance scores are created and through collaboration, discussion, movement exploration and further examination of the sound score, a dance score is created. The entire process is rooted in principles of trust, respect, and honesty for each other and the art itself. We hope this body of work inspires others to reach for deep connection with themselves and others.
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