Dance Commons^™

Pas De Deux Past And Present: Examining The Future Of Partnering Work In The Study Of Teaching And Performance Of Professional Ballet, Madelyn Groth

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This research explores the historical evolution and future direction of partnering in ballet, focusing on its technical, aesthetic, and pedagogical progress. Pas de deux is a dance for two, typically performed by a male and female dancers. Traditional pas de deux, found in classical ballet dating back to its the courts of 16th century France, adheres to strict gender roles and aesthetic traditions. However, contemporary choreographers are reimagining partnering dynamics and movement patterns to reflect a more inclusive and diverse approach. Through a historiographical study of ballet and an ethnographic investigation conducted at the Miami City Ballet and the …

Striking Similarities: An Exploration Of The Relationship Between Tap Dance And Ballet, Shannon Maloney

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This research explores the relationship between tap dance and ballet, two genres of dance often viewed as polar opposites—if they are considered to have any relationship at all. Qualitative research methods were used throughout this process, including consulting texts and videos, conducting ethnographic research by attending the Woodshed Experience tap dance intensive, and choreographing a dance work featuring both tap and ballet dancers. This project investigates the relationship between the genres in the areas of technique, choreography, and pedagogy. There is significant overlap in the techniques of tap dance and ballet in the areas of musicality, polyrhythmic expression, isolated muscle …

Advocating For Tap Dance Through The Study Of Tap Dance Pedagogy, Lindsey Simpson

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

In private dance studios today, less importance is placed on students learning tap dance technique compared to other genres of dance, which is likely due to a lack of available teachers with the proper training and understanding of the tap dance technique and pedagogy. As a result, students in many private dance studios are left with limited training opportunities in tap dance, and older dancers that lost the chance to train in tap dance at a young age often become discouraged and uncomfortable with the genre. Because of this, older students need an opportunity to train in tap dance at …

Integrating Creative Writing And Dance - A Reflective Collection, Grace Becker

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This project highlights my dual artistic experiences in dance and creative writing throughout my time at WKU through a portfolio website, where all my work will be available in one place. In this project, I showcase the progression of my writing throughout my undergraduate career. This portfolio includes reflections on each piece. As a writer and dancer, I have learned that skills in both art forms enhance productivity in each area. This project allowed me to reflect on my progress as a writer, dancer, and choreographer, and look forward to how I will continue this integration in my professional career.

Exploring Storytelling In Dance: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Choreography, Sophia Jones

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Storytelling in dance poses a subjective challenge. The lack of concrete guidelines for choreography can create a discrepancy between what is considered successful dance across different genres. This research aims to address this issue by examining the role of space and energy in storytelling and their intersections through genres such as tap, modern, and dance film. Through an analysis of my choreographic works including 777, Memento Mori, Vivid Connections, and Portrait, this study investigates how common choreographic elements contribute to narrative effectiveness.

This study explores the utilization of compositional tools and their application across various genres to convey each piece’s …

The Reality Of Bipolar Disorder: A Dance Film To Bring Awareness To The Misconceptions Of Mental Health, Julia Woolums

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

For my project, I researched bipolar disorder to create a dance film highlighting the associated symptoms and emotions of hypomanic and depressive episodes. The purpose of this research is to bring awareness to and educate on the reality of these mental health symptoms to reduce mental health stereotypes and stigma. I researched academic texts and peer-reviewed articles about bipolar disorder written from the perspective of those diagnosed with it and used the symptom criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to compose, choreograph, film, and edit my dance film. The completed film showcases what daily life could …

Tap For The Times: A Study Of Contemporary Tap Dance, Elise Wilham

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Tap dance is an American art form that began with the blending of traditional dance styles from English and Irish immigrants and African slaves. Throughout the 20th century, tap dance developed many styles in response to cultural changes that took place. Contemporary tap dance emerged in the latter half of that century and continues developing today with the fusion of other dance genres and new technologies. This research examines tap dance history to create an understanding of how it developed through a historical lens and analyzes the current approaches applied to the artform along with the characteristics and creative processes …

Storytelling In Contemporary Ballet, Abbey Lutts

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The goal of my thesis is to challenge the conventions of classical ballet and fully grasp storytelling within contemporary ballet in a way that appeals to modern audiences. I used postpositivist research, historiography, and dance ethnography as modes of research to uncover common themes and trends of traditional ballet, which led to a deeper understanding of contemporary ballet and the modes choreographers and educators use to challenge classical ballet stereotypes. My methodology was to identify common themes from folklore, classical ballet, and traditional storytelling. I have studied traditional folklore and fairytales and have evaluated and reviewed the thematic content of …

She's The Jazz: An Exploration Of Dance And Society In The Age Of The Flapper, Jillian Terry

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

The 1920’s, most affectionately known as “The Roaring Twenties,” was a time of dramatic social and political change. Economic growth pushed Americans into an unfamiliar consumer society where people bought the same goods, heard the same songs, danced the same dances, and used the same slang. Prohibition laws led to the underground sale of alcohol in speakeasies where new freedoms were found through communities uniting in music and dance. Here we saw the emergence of flappers. Unlike the generations that came before, these women were seen performing unladylike actions, such as drinking and smoking, while embracing their sexuality. While not …

Women On The Floor: A Study Of Feminism In Modern Dance History, Hannah Mccarthy

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Modern dance evolves everyday with new movement ideas, styles, and teachings. Not only can modern dance be new and innovative, but it can also be a mirror reflection of the current time period. It is an art form often used to make a social statement. It can become a discussion of the past, present, or future. Modern dance informs its audience through an intent chosen by the choreographer or dancers. The intent varies depending on time, space, emotion, and myriad other conditions. My studies will examine how the different periods of modern dance aligned with the waves of the feminist …

Applying Social Media Marketing Content Strategies From The Entertainment Field To Professional Dance, Lindsay Lambert

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Social media is a medium that is becoming increasingly relevant in the marketplace, especially in the arts arena. It is the marketing tool that allows for the more customized engagement between a brand and the target market, often at a lower price than traditional outlets. As a visual industry, dance has a lot of opportunities for content in digital marketing. Other industries in the entertainment realm, such as professional sports or concert music have similar goals with their intended target audiences: develop relationships with consumers to inevitably increase patronage to the organizations’ events. Social media content marketing allows organizations to …

Steps In Time: An Exploration Of Tap Dance Education, Sara Pecina

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Tap dance is an indigenous American art form that not only holds a valuable presence in the world of entertainment but also boasts an important historical background. From the slave quarters on plantations to Hollywood’s silver screen, the development of tap dance mirrors the story of American history. Tap dance must be preserved because of its cultural significance in American history; likewise, it is imperative for dancers to understand its development in order to appreciate the art and for today’s artists to continue the growth and presence of tap dance in America. However, many dance educators today focus solely on …

Backwards In High Heels: Examining The Careers And Artistic Contributions Of Fred Astaire’S Female Dance Partners, Fiona Mowbray

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This project examines the careers and contributions of three of Fred Astaire’s female dancing partners during the golden age of movie musicals: Ginger Rogers, Vera-Ellen, and Cyd Charisse. These women receive less recognition than their male co-star, due in part to the political and social environment from the 1930s to the 1950s in America, sexism and competition within Hollywood, and personal obstacles. Rogers, Vera-Ellen, and Charisse are all important as individual performers as well as for the part they played in enhancing Astaire’s legacy. My goal is to bring these women back into the musical theatre narrative in a compact …

Fusion Of Art Forms Across The World: An Examination Of Contemporary Dance Improvisation In England And America, Jade Primicias

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Artists in the dance world are now experimenting with new and more varied subgenres of contemporary dance such as contemporary dance improvisation, but audience reception of this type of work is incongruent from country to country, and even from place to place within one nation. In America, the artistry spans from those who are making breakthroughs and experimenting with new techniques to companies which continue to perform celebrated repertoire. Because of London’s role as a world leader in the arts, and its geographical location in England, avant-garde artistry is especially common throughout that nation. The author spent time studying in …

Make 'Em Laugh: Examining The Role Of Humor In Dance, Jordan Jones

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

As a dancer, choreographer, and naturally sarcastic person, humor has always been a tool that I recognize and appreciate. I was specifically drawn to the role of humor in dance choreography and performance when I was responsible for creating my own dance works, and I realized the complexity behind making even the simplest joke in dance. This thesis explores humor, from its biological and psychological origins in our brains, to an evaluation of what constitutes “humor” (in past and present American society), to a discussion on how to create humor within dance using the traditionally defined elements of choreography. Contained …

Rhythm Of My Sole, Jessica Williams

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

Tap dancing was one of the first dance forms created here in America. It is a perfect representation of the mosaic that is America because tap dancing is the fusion of dances brought to this country by slaves and immigrants. This fusion has been passed down from generation to generation and evolves every day. When it was created, it was used in celebrations; later it was used in musicals and variety shows to entertain; now it stands on its own in concert setting and conveys stories, shows emotions, and still entertains.

I have created four tap dances; each is different …

The Production Of Choreography Influenced By Works Of George Balanchine, Tiffany Guy

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

One of the most renowned Ballet Masters in the history of dance is George Balanchine. By studying his works and feedback from his dancers, my goal is to gain enough information to develop a two to three minute choreographed work of my own, incorporating the influence of Balanchine’s style and design. In my research, I will be examining his history and the interviews of Balanchine-influenced dancers, reflecting on personal experiences, and dissecting his choreography and elements of my own work in creating my final choreography. Within my piece, I will be manipulating various uses of rhythms, implementing Balanchine-style movements, and …

Forum Theatre Empowering Students To Speak, Act, And Know, Kaitlen M. Osburn

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

During the political turmoil of 1960s Brazil, theatre artist Augusto Boal created a new form of theatre to fight back against the oppressive government. Theatre of the Oppressed has now spread to almost every country in the world and has empowered many spect-actors (Boal‘s term for audience-turned-actors) to resist oppression. Boal‘s seminal text Theatre of the Oppressed opened the door to future expansions of Theatre of the Oppressed that combine drama therapy and politics with an already powerful arsenal of techniques. Combining this innovative methodology with education, I facilitated two Forum Theatre workshops at Warren Central High School and Warren …

The Changes In Irish Dance Since Riverdance, Angelika Masero

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

During the past 15 years, traditional Irish step dance experienced dramatic changes. As a traditional dance form, Irish step dance lends itself to and is dependent upon innovation and change; it is a living and flexible art form, and thus, change is expected and necessary to keep it novel, fresh and progressive. However, its “traditional” signature is now a focus of debate as its “modern” signature gets explored and as traditional Irish dance scholars study the impact touring Irish dance shows have caused. The seven-minute interval act Riverdance during the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest ignited the debate. Moreover, the rate …

Belly Dance As A Means Of Dance Therapy For Survivors Of Sexual Assault, Nadia De Leon

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

No abstract provided.