fabric as a dance partner

[DeanZF]

I have to smile at this thread. Capricious is such an interesting word.



I think of the many choreographies that I've seen where the fabric danced a prominent role, usually by design, but not always. I can remember a few pieces where a part of a banner was brought down to use, to wear, to partner with. I can remember more than a few where the partner was not capricious, but maybe recalcitrant! Would not do what the dancer had in mind to save her life. Poncho type garments with formed sleeves where the dancer could not find the holes, tallit type garments where dancer could not figure out which way to put the tallit across the shoulders and dragged it all around the place almost like Linus' blankey.



One thing to keep in mind when dancing with fabric is your environment and the effect of your partner's moves on the viewers. If there are candles in your vicinity, and you get even the slightest bit close, half the viewers are going to hold their breath 'til you're done, hoping that you don't start dancing a flambeau. The other bit of fun stuff that we find in many smaller (read: lower ceiling) spaces has to do with hanging protuberances such as ceiling fans, speaker assemblies, and chandeliers. Has the same effect on viewers. Can make for a delightful bit of choreography or a fun bit of entertainment as you try to retrieve your partner from around the fan!