Inanimate 48 April 2023 Submissions

Winner

Emily Stratton “Just to be clear…”

“I appreciate the relationship between the apparatus, dance, and music. The words that were being said in the music were supported by the apparatus and the dance, but not in an overstated way. The plastic fabric representing “the cloud”–changing shape as the dancer moved and filling up with water–was clear (literally) and effective. It actually took me a while to realize that it was plastic. At first, it almost looked like tulle, and I was impressed by how something could look so delicate, but be so durable to dance with. I didn’t realize until part way through that it was plastic, once it filled up with water. Nice to be surprised!”

“This apparatus is so interesting! I appreciated the build of music, movement, and mood. The foggy breath in reverse was delightful, as well as the stumbling and water-filled fish bag.”

“I thought this was a uniquely portrayed concept. I love her willingness to work with dirt, mud, and breath. Overall this piece was giving performance art vibes.”

Honorable mentions

Deirdra Angelucci “Boo” (3 honorable mentions)

“This creation is both serious and playful at the same time. It has a sense of nostalgia and longing. I appreciate the various locations and apparati this dancer visits, and the different movement qualities each place inspires her to do. The concept has a good balance of story and open interpretation from my perspective as a viewer.”

“The first pose of the blanket monster got me hooked. I love the development of the movement and buildup of the piece. Additionally, I think some of the video editing really added to the act.”

“The use of her bed and blanket were very impressive. Her story was shared very clearly and the dance and exploration looked very fun.”

Elyria “The Longing” (3 honorable mentions)

“I was immediately struck by the colors in this video. I could tell that all the elements of this creation were well thought out: apparatus, lighting, set, costume, music, and dance. The skill in combination with the music set up a meditative feel that allowed me to settle and be pulled in as a viewer. I didn’t read the description until after watching the video, and can see some of the feelings the artist describes in their creation, as well as relate to what they wrote. The video makes me want to dance on that ladder!”

“Thank you for creating this, Elyria! I have also felt the loss of my inspiration, struggling through many setbacks, and you have created something so beautiful and moving that you should definitely be so proud of it. Your movement and lines are so wondrous and crisp; they convey the mood well and are extraordinarily complemented by the set you have designed. I loved the toe+heel hang and transformation at the end.”

“I thought this video was beautiful and interesting to watch. Her movement quality was great, and I’d never seen the ladder as an apparatus before. Overall very mesmerizing, and this is a tough one to categorize.”

Michelle Jennings and Kate Gow (3 honorable mentions)

“Two friends playing at a playground! The fun camera angles give unique perspectives. It is clearly improvisational, and reminds me of childhood.”

“Very cute and whimsical! It looked like you two were having a lot of fun exploring simple movements with the playset. I loved the little details like the yellow butterfly, moving clouds, and a sneaky smile.”

“Very cute and aesthetically pleasing! It reminds me of napoleon dynamite for some reason… The movements and angles were fun.”

Ophelia’s Rope “Two girls waiting for a sprinkler ” (3 honorable mentions)

“This duo interacts with lots of different ideas and apparati in the backyard, and is very playful, with childlike whimsy. I watched before I read the description, which matches perfectly. I could imagine myself doing this with my sister when we were children.”

“So adorable and playful! I’m so impressed at how you both were able to so expertly convey impatience, boredom, and youthful exuberance. Thanks for the ride.”

“I believe this duo had amazing and intentional choreography for the first half of this piece. Although the piece was meant to be silly and light hearted, I appreciate the real intention of dance to express boredom.”

Winamo Works “WHEELIE No 5” (3 honorable mentions)

“This creation is fun and clowny, and I could tell that the creators were not taking themselves “too cyriously”. I imagine a lot of thought and planning went into the creation of this choreography, and it had a progression from beginning to end.”

“Bring back the clowns! Such a cute and fun act; I loved how you two explored movement with each other and looked like you enjoyed every second of it. I especially appreciate how you used the wheel with creative duo manipulations and no “formal” cyr vocabulary. Also, great job with the continuous shot!”

“This piece is probably the best duo piece in my opinion. They have unique and fun movements and greater, direct interaction with each other.”

Dee Murphy (2 honorable mentions)

“This concept is defined and has a well thought out beginning, middle, and end. As a viewer, it feels like the dancer is limited by the confines of ballet, and finds strength, power, and freedom as she literally lifts herself up (using the dance pole), over the limitations represented by the ballet bar.”

“I like the continuous shot of this piece and her movement quality was nice, along with a clear concept. “

Kayla Banks “What you can bury, and what you can leave behind” (2 honorable mentions)

“Wonderfully powerful and engaging performance. The brilliant and personal spoken word set this up beautifully, and the musicality and video editing really lent to the story. I loved the ground trapeze, the use of mirror, and the contrast of the hallway shots.”

“Her passion for circus arts coupled with grief and frustration are very prevalent here. I believe she put a lot of effort into her choreography, which is commendable.”

Anna Yanushkevich (1 honorable mention)

Link to video

“I love the simple, yet powerful use of light in this act. The costuming and music also lend to a whimsical, mysterious, and melancholy dream.”

Britta Paulin (1 honorable mention)

“Cute and fun! I personally loved it.”

Candace and Veronica (1 honorable mention)

“Immediately captivating and an incredibly moving and emotional piece. I felt the trauma and sadness and frustration through your movements and expressions; the push and pull worked so well to tell your story. This piece will leave a lasting impression on me.”

Fei Liu and Mayari Moon “Let me be” (1 honorable mention)

“This exploration is artistically sensual, and it was nice to see some improvisational partnering. I could sense the connection between the movers, and their ambition of becoming more like water. Yay AAPI representation!”

Flying Catastrophe “Ode à mes grands-parents” (1 honorable mention)

“Thank you for creating this, and I’m sure your grandparents would have absolutely adored this performance for them, even if they rolled their eyes a little. I’m glad that you were able to express and work through some of your grief with this project.”

Mélie Naja “Spring’s Wing” (1 honorable mention)

“Such a cute and warm piece. I enjoyed your cinematographic choices and the playfulness of your son.”

Poppy Lor “Ocean” (1 honorable mention)

“I thought this concept was beautiful and the tricks were well executed. It was unique that she didn’t overlay her audio on the video, allowing her footwork to really add to the feeling of “nature”.”

Queen of Lost Stars (1 honorable mention)

“This was so beautiful. I very much appreciated the introduction that we have all felt; entering our space and preparing when our mind is not quite there, but turning it into something beautiful and authentic still. The scenery changes were such a pleasure to explore, and I loved the skirt in the wind along with your smile.”

Sable (of Spectre and Sable Arts) “Nestling” (1 honorable mention)

“I believe this is the best well rounded piece. She used a very unique apparatus, a very clear concept, and her movement quality and execution was very very well done.”