Polynesian Dance Films in Color with sound

Abstract

The moving picture film inventoried in this report is the result of an extended trip in the Pacific from August, 1962 to March, 1963, taken on a sabbatical leave from the University of New Mexico for the purpose of filming and studying Polynesian dances. The island areas visited were Hawaii, Society Islands, American and Western Samoa, New Zealand, and Viti Levu, the main island of the Fiji group. A byproduct of this trip was a data check-list for the study of ethnic dance, evolved during the eight-month sojourn (Miller 1964:55-57). The value of sound-track film for the study of ethnic dance can scarcely be overstated. Even the most highly trained and experienced field worker cannot possibly observe and write down all the details of a dance, during or after a performance. Recorded film, synchronized with sound, enables the scholar repeatedly to play back dance sequences for detailed and isolated observation of every facet of body motion. Good color film enhances the spectacle of native costumes and environment. The sound track enables him to observe the relationship between music and dance. The equipment used for this project was a Fairchild Cinephonic 8mm camera which has a synchronized sound track, together with a three-lens turret head comprising 13mm (standard), 36mm (telephoto), and 8.5mm (wide-angle) lenses. (This model was discontinued around 1964). Accessories included a view finder, exposure meter, microphone and stand, double earpiece headset (for monitoring sound), 85B filter for outdoor filming, and a tripod. The projector has a separate speaker and a microphone for overlay 315