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This field project explores the intersection of House dance and choreographic composition, moving beyond the rigid structures of competitive dance to embrace fluidity, improvisation, and intentional performance-making. The title Beyond the 8’s reflects a conscious departure from showcase formats, which are often shaped by competitive constraints and time limitations. With House as the primary dance language, participants will engage in choreographic research, investigating both classical and original methods of structuring performative works, as well as expanding the concept of time and breaking free from the confines of 8 counts.
This journey begins with exploration and culminates in the composition of small choreographed scenes that may or may not be combined into a larger work. The challenge is to create choreographic scenes within structured rules and improvisational games while maintaining the technical rigor of House dance. While narrative is often seen as limiting to freedom, within this field project, structure becomes a tool for unearthing a deeper, more authentic freedom – one that is not superficial or performative but genuinely felt and embodied. Through this process, dancers will build a movement vocabulary rooted in House dance, extending beyond freestyle and into composition. Additionally, they will develop skills in performance, text integration, devised theatre, improvisation, and storytelling.
Embedded within House dance – especially in its music – are themes of community, conflict resolution, joy, precision, and communication (among others). These themes will serve as the foundation for the narratives and structures built within the field project, guiding participants towards a deeper understanding of House dance as both a technical and expressive art form.
By the end of the week, participants will have developed a toolbox of skills, techniques, and compositional methods, alongside a stronger grasp of choreographic and theatrical arcs. Marie Kaae and Raja invite participants to push their creative boundaries while refining their technical and expressive range, resulting in a more profound understanding of House dance as both an improvisational and structured performance art.
Research Projects require an application.
*The field project is for dancers with a solid pre-existing vocabulary in House dance technique, who wish to engange in choreographic exploration and play.
