Start Date
24-4-2025 12:00 AM
Description
My Senior Capstone Project for the Lindenwood Dance Program's Spring Concert explores the balance between randomness and planned structure in dance creation. Inspired by choreographer Merce Cunningham, who pioneered using chance methods (like flipping coins or rolling dice) to determine aspects of dance, I'm creating an original performance that blends intentional design with unexpected elements. This research-based project adapts Cunningham's innovative approach by developing my own system of randomization to generate movement combinations that I might not discover through traditional choreographic methods. Rather than following a linear narrative, the dance emerges through this experimental process where some elements are deliberately chosen while others arise through chance operations. By documenting both the systematic decision-making and my creative responses to these random prompts, my work examines how structure and spontaneity can coexist in artistic creation. The research component involves tracking how these methods influence my creative choices and expand movement possibilities. The final performance represents both an artistic expression and a physical demonstration of my research findings. It shows how embracing elements of chance within a thoughtful framework can create a dance that is both surprising and cohesive.
Recommended Citation
Monthei, Kloey; Strzelec, Janet; and Zweier, Tricia, ""What are the Chances?" Choreographic Process" (2025). 2025 Student Academic Showcase. 17.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/src_2025/Posters/Posters/17
Included in
"What are the Chances?" Choreographic Process
My Senior Capstone Project for the Lindenwood Dance Program's Spring Concert explores the balance between randomness and planned structure in dance creation. Inspired by choreographer Merce Cunningham, who pioneered using chance methods (like flipping coins or rolling dice) to determine aspects of dance, I'm creating an original performance that blends intentional design with unexpected elements. This research-based project adapts Cunningham's innovative approach by developing my own system of randomization to generate movement combinations that I might not discover through traditional choreographic methods. Rather than following a linear narrative, the dance emerges through this experimental process where some elements are deliberately chosen while others arise through chance operations. By documenting both the systematic decision-making and my creative responses to these random prompts, my work examines how structure and spontaneity can coexist in artistic creation. The research component involves tracking how these methods influence my creative choices and expand movement possibilities. The final performance represents both an artistic expression and a physical demonstration of my research findings. It shows how embracing elements of chance within a thoughtful framework can create a dance that is both surprising and cohesive.