Extraordinary Essays

 


 

 

Ethan Hartz 

 

Prof. Morejon

 

DAN 111

 

Spring 2023

 

Vapor Ibis: The Inside-Out Nature of Dance

 

 

Vapor Ibis, inspired by the outdoor flow of campus, is emblematic of the fluid tranquility experienced by walking near Lake Osceola on a warm spring morning. The movements were enabled by a semester of vulnerability and expression, where ‘dance moves’ were determined not by music or rhythm but rather by the inside-out nature of our bodies’ abilities.

 

Throughout the course, I was encouraged to dictate my physical movements in parallel with the internal movements of my emotions. Dance is merely a form of communication similar to writing or painting, and Vapor Ibis paints its own through combined thematic movement, inspired by Tai Chi, ballet, and interpretive dance.

 

The dance takes advantage of both the bound and unbound movement flow, of rhythm (and lack thereof), and tied to the musical piece “Moonlight Sonata Remix.” The result is a dance work about peace and mindfulness. 

 

When performing the piece, I made sure to include the walk to the center of the room to reflect the center mindedness of a walk throughout campus. The moment of shut eyes and a deep breath established the transition from reality to the abstract nature of my thoughts, aura, and internal essence when moving through campus. 

 

Overall, Vapor Ibis was a rewarding conclusion to a semester of growth, meditation, and team collaboration. The final performance was a healing experience for me. 

 

 

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