Photo by Cher Lemire
What would art look like if we no longer had
high tech resources available to us?
How do we experience dance performance
without electronic lights and sound systems?
How can we remain optimistic and good-natured
in the face of doomsday predictions?
The tinydance project seeks to answer these questions as they relate to dance and performance, and to facilitate interdisciplinary conversations and events highlighting the intersection of arts and sustainability. Because it is impractical to live in a constant state of crisis, I approach the unknown with humor and goodwill, and consider myself to be
"cheerfully apocalyptic."
Many people agree that our way of life is not sustainable, and that sometime soon--perhaps within our lifetimes--the human world as we know it will change irrevocably. Some believe that technology will "save" us, but I remain unconvinced. As a result, in both my personal life and my professional life, I question what life will look like after peak oil, or global economic collapse, or a viral epidemic. When the trucks stop running, and the electricity runs out, and there is no internet,
what will our lives look like?
I take particular interest in other people's thoughts on and reactions to the possibility of an uncertain future.
"cheerfully apocalyptic."
Many people agree that our way of life is not sustainable, and that sometime soon--perhaps within our lifetimes--the human world as we know it will change irrevocably. Some believe that technology will "save" us, but I remain unconvinced. As a result, in both my personal life and my professional life, I question what life will look like after peak oil, or global economic collapse, or a viral epidemic. When the trucks stop running, and the electricity runs out, and there is no internet,
what will our lives look like?
I take particular interest in other people's thoughts on and reactions to the possibility of an uncertain future.
Kelly towing the original tinydance stage on her maiden voyage. Photo by Dan Rist
Inspired by the Tiny House movement and various Slow Living concepts, the project encompasses a variety of dance works made for small, sustainable spaces, including the tinydance stage. The original stage is a 4'x8' platform that folds in thirds and has wheels so it can be pulled by bike to performance venues. It can be set up entirely with hand tools in under fifteen minutes, and is constructed from wood (with metal fittings) with a marley dance floor surface. The stage was designed and constructed by the amazing Smith College theatre production department, including Dan Rist, Alan Schneider, and Chase Trumbull.
The first piece created for the stage, "Where Shall We Go," was made for three dancers and a vocalist, and premiered at Earthdance on Aprill 22nd, 2013. Please contact Kelly if you are interested in having a tinydance created for or performed at an event, either on the tinydance stage or in a small, site-specific space of your choosing.
These are some other ways you can support the project.
Click here to see the tinydance project in action (archival video)
The first piece created for the stage, "Where Shall We Go," was made for three dancers and a vocalist, and premiered at Earthdance on Aprill 22nd, 2013. Please contact Kelly if you are interested in having a tinydance created for or performed at an event, either on the tinydance stage or in a small, site-specific space of your choosing.
These are some other ways you can support the project.
Click here to see the tinydance project in action (archival video)
Photo by Cory Ellen Gatrall
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Photo by Cory Ellen Gatrall
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