Distance dance as an actor network

Cecilia Ferm Almqvist

doi:10.5324/da.v7i1.4225

Abstract

As a contribution to the critical and creative discussion regarding definitions and examples of how dance practices are being reimagined in the age of distance, this article focuses on possibilities and challenges with organizing virtual contemporary dance workshops for older adults. The aim of this article is to explore intra-actions within entanglements including older adult amateur dancers, a choreographer, homes, dance studios, the software zoom, devices, music, and dance during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020. Situations seen as webs of relations including the mentioned actors were created. To be able to describe how the constantly performed intra-active networks of dancers and other material actors were constituted, actor-network theory was applied. The results show specific trajectories that exemplifies intra-actions with the participants. The older adults became dancers that make meaning in their lives, even if the virtual trajectories possible to follow to some extent, are limited by the pandemic cursed distance

Highlights

An experienced choreographer and two younger dancers dance together in a big light studio, where the summer breeze is flowing in through the windows
The analysis identified significant actors in the organizing and performing processes, which were co-extensive with the network
The 12 participants were aged from 69 to 81 years. They belonged to the group that has been treated in specific ways during the COVID-19 pandemic – those who have been asked to stay home, and to avoid socializing with people or taking part in group activities

Summary

Introduction

An experienced choreographer and two younger dancers dance together in a big light studio, where the summer breeze is flowing in through the windows. The dancers perform a clear engaged choreography with large soft movements, in relation to beautiful melancholic music. The choreographer speaks clearly and loudly at the same time as she models movements with her whole body: One two, param-pam, right, left-right, through the feet, the hips, circles, wonderful, other side, plié, ok? First position: Plié and in, right, left-right, big circle, arms over head, in, over to left leg, turn around, going down, yes. We witness the three dancers intra-act with each other, the floor, the music, and the dance. What we see is one example of virtual live dance workshops for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden

Objectives

Results

Conclusion