Eyebeam resident Rashaad Newsome combines modern dance performances with computer technology that interpretes the performers’ maneuvers into line drawings. Newsome choreographed standard movements from different styles of vogue dancing to produce the ongoing collection named Five Elements. Each addition to the collection includes live dance performances, original music, video recording of each dance, video recorded computer drawing and the final “translated” hard-copy line drawings.
All three basic styles of vogue dancing lend themselves to capture by line drawing. Once you see Newsome’s work, dance-to-drawing seems the natural, obvious next step. Old Way Voguing from 1930-1980 “is characterized by formation of lines, symmetry, and precision in the execution of such formations and graceful, fluid-like action” . In 1990 the New Way Vogue dance style became popular. New Way is more geometric and mime-like, with rigid movement patterns used to demonstrate the the dancer’s entertainment skills and coordination. Finally, Vogue Fem is “the most extreme” version. It includes exaggerated feminine movements with ballet jumps, acrobatics and flips.(Wikipedia).
According to Eyebeam.org, Newsome is interested in “vogueing and its use of body language and gestures as a means of communication” (Eyebeam.org). Five Elements is based on the five elements of competitive vogue dancing; hands, spins, catwalk, duckwalk, and dips.
Newsome’s original choreography is based on studying two dancers he hired to perform the different styles of vogue. He created dances from this research and choreographed them to his original music which is loosely based on chamber music and possibly his weakest talent. Dancers practiced his routines before performing for a live audience. These performances were video recorded. At the same time the computer-generated drawing was produced onscreen by the computer interpreter .
'Five Elements' chronicles the evolution of this urban dance style. More than that, it may be chronicling the subtle changes in urban societies. I think his video recording could be of historical interest to urban anthropologists. The basic elements of vogueing have been evolving since the 1930’s and are considered the origin of several dance forms, including break dancing. Vogue routines have made it into the mainstream via dancers like Britney Spears and Janet Jackson. Vogue movements reflect changes in urban values, morays and disciplines. The line drawings could become a record of emotional currents that change with the each generation. Right now, Newsome’s productions are pleasing to the senses and interesting to both urban and rural people as a new take on performance art. His line drawings may be the next evolution in abstracts.
References:
Eyebeam.org. [Internet] Five. Available at
http://eyebeam.org/projects/five
Newsome, Rashaad, http://www.rashaadnewsome.com/
Wikipedia [Internet] Vogue dance. Available at
Newsome, Rashaad, http://www.rashaadnewsome.com/
Wikipedia [Internet] Vogue dance. Available at
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