Exploring

It is fascinating to carry out the choreographed phrases in a contrasting location. There are so many variables to take into consideration and I noticed the ways in which the vast, open, and sweeping environment could impact the quality, rhythm, and momentum of the movement I initially had set.

I’ve had an image in my mind for a while that deals with the fragmentation of moving bodies in space and how one fragment could settle with the viewer. When we are on the stage, it is often difficult to emphasize a particular gesture/part of the body while there is so much open space for the audience to wander. If one wants to create this kind of accentuation, it is often carried out with repetition and potentially with the use of careful lighting design. I now have the ability to guide the eye of the audience with the use of the camera to create this particular feeling of settling and accentuation.

With this vision, I found myself connecting with a particular location in the valley of Ho’omaluhia. There are ten tall palm trees in this location with open pockets of grass. This arrangement allowed for the camera frame to be naturally fragmented which I plan to further explore with proper camera equipment. This past week was a preliminary look into potential locations in which I believe I could bring in/carry out my work and movement.

It is also important to keep in mind the beauty of simplicity, especially in dance film. I am on the fence about a few things in regards to this location. I understand there are a lot of elements and I wonder if the location is overpowering. I believe I can let the creative mind roam while being behind the camera and exploring various camera shots/angles.

I have developed some phrases that I would like to be shot with a low-angle and others better situated for close-ups.

Next..I will map this out in a storyboard and create a rough draft of my film.