Storytelling in Dance
If you are anything like me, you never really considered storytelling an important part of dance. Okay sure, there's the Nutcracker. But my general impression has been that dance is mostly judged on the dancer's lines, rhythm, musicality and skill - not their storytelling ability.
To the contrary, storytelling was a significant theme throughout this season's So You Think You Can Dance where dancers compete in a format similar to its sister show American Idol. Through storytelling, So You Think You Can Dance has captured an expansive and devoted following and received several Emmy nominations.
Storytelling as a theme weaved its way throughout the show's season. Part of the show's format invites the audience to connect and sympathize with the dancers. By watching and learning the story of the dancers' upbringing and how they have overcome so many obstacles to make it this far in their dancing career, the audience buys in to more than just how well they can "bust a move."
Whether it was ballroom, contemporary or hip hop, the choreographers' brilliantly crafted routines drew inspiration from both personal and fantastical stories. It was evident the top four dancers survived the show as long as they did because of their storytelling ability, effectively portraying their character and engaging the audience. It was my observation that several of the dancers in the competition who had just as much (if not more) talent than the top four did not survive to the finale due to their inability to captivate the audience through storytelling.
While we often struggle to see storytelling elements in our own work, remembering that it's the stories that connect with the audience is just as important for us as it is for dancers.
Check out one of this past season's more memorable performances choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo to Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown's hit song "No Air." The story behind this routine is that the male character has just found out that he has to go off to war and has to break the news to the woman he loves.
After graduating from UK with a marketing degree, Lauren did marketing research before joining our team as a Design Manager. Drawing upon her experience and excellent listening skills, Lauren is a communicator who builds and maintains client relationships in the best fashion.
Nice article, I did enjoy the past season of SYTYCD more and maybe that’s why :) I’m a terrible storyteller but I sure did enjoy Dad’s jumbled fairy tale stories growing up with Rumplestilskin and the Big Bad Wolf. :) Roberto and I miss you lots!
Kristen Pardo – August 28, 2008 12:25:10 AM