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Staying Inspired As a Choreographer
With this semester project coming to a close, I want to leave with you peak at what keeps me inspired as a choreographer. Last but never least, music inspires me to create through each point described above. I’ve listened to songs and pieces of music that evoke great emotion. Sometimes I’ll play something and see…
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Innovation and Authenticity Through Modern Dance
Modern dance emerged as a recognizable style during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Its purpose was to step out of the strict technical styling of ballet, and embrace natural movement within the body. Instead, modern dance emphasized innovation and authenticity. This style utilizes gravity and weight as a tool to motivate the dancer’s movements….
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Ballet Terms To Know For Any Dance Style
Die With A Smile by Lady gaga and Bruno Mars inspired me to create a piece using lyrical/ballet elements. I started dancing in college. One thing that I struggled with was ballet terms. The summer after my first semester of dance, I took a ballet class. It was extremely helpful to be able to hear…
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Foot and Ankle Strength For Dancers
Back to tap this week with Avril Lavigne’s What the Hell. A style like tap requires a significant foot and ankle strength. However, foot and ankle strength is essential for virtually every style of dance. Strong feet and ankles will reduce the risk of injury while dancing. Not only that, but strengthening the feet and…
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Release Technique in Modern Dance
The song I chose to choreograph to this week is What Is It About the Night by Colton Avery. I wanted to create to the instrumental version of the song, and was able to find this particular version on YouTube (https://youtu.be/-sr4uTN4Twg?si=3tN6gX80U8Id-mx6). I ended up creating a phrase that demonstrates release technique within the style of…
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Backup Dancer; Build Your Dance Career
This week’s song is Taste by Sabrina Carpenter. The phrase is a sample from an interlude that I choreographed for Orchesis Dance Company, which will be performed in our 2024 fall show. Being that Sabrina Carpenter is currently on tour with her song Taste, it seemed like a good week to talk about backup dancing,…
DANCER'S PLAYLIST
BY AMY RENEE SHANNON
BEHIND THE SCENES
I’m Amy, a senior at the University of Northern Iowa. While pursuing my undergraduate degree in Special Events Public Relations, I am also a member of UNI Orchesis Dance Company, where I serve as a student choreographer and the head of Costume and Production. Orchesis is a modern-based dance company on campus, that integrates the practice and performance of ballet, jazz, hip-hop, tap, and modern dance.
I’ve found a passion for creating and storytelling through music and dance. There is something so compelling about creating meaning out of movement. Through my work on Dancer’s Playlist, I aim to strengthen my skills as a choreographer, and gain experience working in different styles. With each piece of music I present, and the phrase work I create, I share with you what has inspired me as an artist. My hope is that, through this collection of music and dance, I will inspire you too!
AMY RENEE SHANNON
DANCE & CHOREOGRAPHY