A Virtual Performance VS. A Live Performance: Which is Better?
If you haven't heard, things have been flip-flopped, criss-crossed, upside-down, inside-out, twisted around in this past year. We, as a company, have shifted alongside the world and in efforts to keep things safe with the coronavirus procedures, we have decided to present our shows as virtual performances. It's an avenue we hadn't explored prior to our Fall show, but moving into Black History Month we are proud to present our second virtual show.
This brings up a burning question - is a virtual performance considered lesser than a live audience version of a show? There are so many things to ponder in answering this question, so today I thought I'd walk you through my thoughts on the differences and potential benefits of a pre-recorded and virtually broadcasted show. What perfect timing as we are just two weeks away from the premiere of our Black History Month Series presented virtually on February 20 at 7:00pm CST. (P.S. Now is the time to buy your tickets if you haven't already...https://scdtblackhistory.eventbrite.com/ GO NOW and then come back to finish reading my thoughts!!)
I have to start out by saying, nothing (and I mean NOTHING) can compare to the thrill of performing for a live audience. Dance is a performative art and is was made to be seen. Although we've had to adjust so much in this past year, I miss interacting with the audience and the adrenaline rush I get being in front of a crowd. We were born to entertain - theatres have been empty for almost a year now and it pulls at my heartstrings. I cannot wait for the day we get to sell out auditoriums and share our work LIVE and in person again.
This being said - live performance can stir up just about any recipe for disaster. Music, lights, staging, dancer mistakes, falls, injuries, you name it - it can happen live and it's scary. One of the benefits of taping the show prior to presenting it is making sure the run of the show is as smooth as possible. Miss an entrance or mess up spacing? Re-take that piece. Lights or music stop working suddenly? No problem, just take it from the top again. Filming ahead of time allows us to make sure we are presenting the most smoothly run show for our virtual audiences (I will say, I do thrive off of the thrill of the live and in-the-moment action and adrenaline of showtime and small mistakes, though! Makes for memorable stories!!)
One thing that remains the same between both live and virtual performances is the preparation leading up to the show - all the marketing, promotion, choreography, training, tiring rehearsals, practice, and hours of hard work are paralleled regardless of the performance platform. This past week we ran each piece twice through each day - some sections three or four times through if it needed cleaning! The week prior to our filming was no joke and we worked just as hard as if the show was in person.
It's been discussed that for audiences it just isn't the same watching dance on a screen as it is in person - which I would definitely have to agree with! What I will say, though, is that through a virtual platform, we have the opportunity to extend our reach to even more audience members. With a show that has as important of a message as we have to share, this is huge. No longer are you required to be in Chicago, Illinois on the night of February 20 to see Kia's impactful choreography. You are able to login from anywhere around the globe! And, our tickets never sell out - so you're sure to get the chance to see it unfold!! This is also big for me - I have family members all around the country as well as dear friends and mentors from my college town who get to tune in and watch since the show is online. (Shout out to my WMU fam as well as my actual fam if you're reading this - you're the BEST support system and I love you!)
Lastly, what does "show day" look like? Typically, we would arrive on site anywhere from 4-5 hours ahead of time for call time, hair and makeup, warm-up as a company, and then last minute touches before the show. After the performance we would greet our supporters and audience members and then leave and do it again the next day. Since our show is pre-recorded, we have a much longer day working with a videographer making sure he gets all of the angles and shots he needs to edit together a beautiful virtual event. We still arrive early, do hair and makeup, warm-up, and perform, we often just have to run the pieces multiple times as opposed to the one-and-done of a live show. What the most strange part for me is is watching yourself perform on the night of the show - we've never really been able to watch ourselves while performing before! It's both nice and strange - if you've ever met or been a dancer, you know that most of us are HIGHLY critical when we watch ourselves dance. The best part, though, is seeing the resounding appreciation and support of the show through social media as it premieres. I say it all the time, but we are beyond thankful for all of the support we receive! We wouldn't be a company without you as our audience.
So, who is to say which is better? It's hard to tell. I miss the adrenaline of a live performance, but I'm thankful we get to send our message out across the globe. Regardless, we are thankful we have a show to put out and the ability to dance our way through 2021!! (Now go buy your tickets!!)
SCDT Black History Month...You HAVE to see It!
If you don’t know yet, now you know. South Chicago Dance Theatre is premiering two new works in our Black History Month Series. Both are choreographed by our own founder and resident choreographer, Kia Smith. When I say this is a show you don’t want to miss, I truly mean it. Between the content, the choreography, the music and vocals, and the history and present day relevance intertwined is something that needs to be seen by all. AND - the show is virtual so there’s really no excuse not to watch!
If you haven’t already, head on over to Scdtblackhistory.eventbrite.com to snag your tickets!
Developing this show has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Over the past two months, we’ve worked on material Kia has given us, piecing together 40 full minutes of dancing to present to our eager audience. To be honest, I’ve never been a part of a show that has so quickly come together. Over the last three weeks in January, we’ve seen the show escalate from multiple ideas and phrases of movement into two flowing works of art set to a powerful score that includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech as well as Langston Hughes “I, Too, Sing America” poem.
The amount of times I’ve gotten chills in rehearsals for these pieces is crazy. For one, when I look at the talent of the dancers I get to share the space with, I get overwhelmed in itself. Then you add the deep and resounding voice of MLK on top of the soulful choreography and it’s a whole other layer of depth to the piece. Dr. King declares that “this is our hope” and that “we will never be satisfied”. Growing up, I always learned about and was taught to respect Martin Luther King Jr. and his work towards civil rights. Now, here I am at age 23, and those words hit deeper than they ever have. We need these words now more than ever. In 1963, the nation cried out and demanded for black men and white men to sit at the table together, to form brotherhood, to respect one another, and to learn from one another as equals. Here we are - well over 50 years later - far from being done with our work.
Kia’s pieces are historical, drawing from and reflecting on our nation’s history. They, too, are extremely relevant to our current times. We need this hope, we need this justice, we need this call to brotherhood now more than ever. NOW is the time. This is our HOPE. I feel both honored and called upon to share this message through dance.
See the show. Buy a ticket - I guarantee you will not regret it.
WE ARE IN DANCE MAGAZINE!
All caps because this is a VERY special announcement/post!
South Chicago Dance Theatre has a feature in the February 2021 issue of Dance Magazine! How cool!
Dance Magazine is a publication I've been subscribed to receiving in the mail since I was a preteen at a competition dance studio. I used to jump off my couch when my parents announced that it came in the mail...and now SCDT is a part of it. Dance Magazine is huge to dancers - I recall reading articles of how to improve my turns and flexibility, while also learning the top 20 dancers to look out for, information on colleges with dance majors, and interviews with professional dancers and companies. This magazine is all things dance and dancers of all ages and skill levels read it each month.
February's issue includes SCDT's feature speaking of our upcoming Black History Month performance alongside other prestigious dance companies throughout the nation. Our own Heather Cagle's photograph aligns the text that directs readers to information on our virtual performance honoring Black History month and Kia's new choreographic premieres.
Check it out, you all! For all of Dance Magazine's readers to get to see the dedication of a black founded and directed company throughout these unprecedented times is amazing. It also brings young dancers' scope to the Chicago dance scene and all there is to offer here. I am beyond proud of Kia, of our company, and of this huge step in an upward direction for South Chicago Dance Theatre!
This is only the beginning! (Oh, and p.s. check out our Black History Month Performance premiering February 20, 2021! More info and a blog about the process of the show to come!! We never stop moving around here.) Check out the image above for a sneak peek at the February issue! Thanks, Dance Magazine!!
2020: Year in Review
...and what a year it has been! We know it has been a crazy one for so many people, and as a company we are privileged and so happy to say that we have had the ability to continue moving forward and employ more artists during this difficult time. Personally speaking, SCDT has been such a blessing to my 2020 and I am very thankful to be dancing professionally in a time like this.
If you did not yet get the chance to look over our "Heading into 2021 with Gratitude" newsletter, the following is the gist of what's gone on in the past year:
In addition to employing new company members and eight new emerging artists, South Chicago Dance Theatre also welcomed more administrative staff. Pictured below is Sarah Rathbun, our Bookkeeper, as well as Jennifer Davis-Harrington, our Director of Education. 
Members of the company have also taken on administrative roles as Shannon Washington is the Executive Assistant, Imani Williams serves as our Social Media Manager, and I (Kelly Anderson) get to hang out with you all on the blog as the Blog Manager!
As you've seen previously in our blog, we commissioned choreography from Crystal Michelle Perkins and Monique Haley through a virtual platform. We also had the privilege of restoring a historic work choreographed by August Tye. It was wonderful to be able to work together as a company on perfecting these dances.
Our annual South Chicago Dance Festival was unable to be held in person, but we were beyond grateful to have 600 virtual participants watching the performance (which included our Youth Training Program), participating in panels, and dancing with us in virtual master classes. Allow me to repeat...SIX HUNDRED. We are so thankful for your unending support.
In addition, our After School Matters youth program continued to train virtually. SCDT's many facets remain alive and well during the pandemic!
More to come in 2021, everyone! It truly has been such a testing year, but we cannot thank you enough for your generous donations, kind words, and effort to keep the arts thriving each year. Onward and upward!
You'll hear more from me in the new year!
-Kelly Anderson
Happy Holidays from SCDT!
Happy Holiday Season!
After a full month of rigorous rehearsals (trust me...all of us had low back pain throughout week two and three!) we took the last two hours of rehearsal on Thursday to spend some quality time together celebrating Christmas! We had a Secret Santa gift exchange, played a competitive game of catchphrase (because dancers take EVERYTHING too seriously), and of course danced around to Christmas music singing at the top of our lungs. Bonus points if you can guess who's on the nice list and who's on the naughty list...
One of my favorite parts of South Chicago Dance Theatre is the community we've created amongst the company. This year has been tough, and we are so privileged to be in the studio with each other. Everyone is so dedicated, fun, and passionate about their art. Although we may not get to travel as a company and perform live, we've made up for it by being each others' support system this season. Being able to take some time and celebrate with one another in a safe manner was just what we needed to close out such an incredible past four months together as a dance family.
From all of us to you - Happy Holidays! Thank you for your support of SCDT, thank you for staying updated with us throughout the year on the blog, and thank you for your generous donations. We wish you a safe and healthy holidays and Happy New Year. 2021, here we come!!
December Week One Recap
New month, new projects! We returned from our Thanksgiving break just in time to hear some exciting news. South Chicago Dance Theatre will partner with Quad City Arts. This past week we've spent capturing video footage of dance material in a variety of genres. As a dancer, it's been exciting to revisit all of the styles we train in and put together an informational video providing an inside look on these techniques.
Dance is such an interesting art because there are so many facets. Generally, when the word "technique" is used, people resort to the idea of ballet technique - long lines, pointed feet, flexibility, and graceful arm movements and gestures. Ballet is but one kind of technique we as dancers need to be well-rounded. Jazz, modern, African, tap, hip-hop, breaking, ballroom - these styles all have their own unique technique, and not one looks just like the other. Even within each style there are multiple techniques. For instance, modern is its own genre but dancers can train in Horton technique, Graham technique, release technique, countertechnique, etc. It's one of my favorite things about dance - you are NEVER done learning. There's always a challenge and always more to learn and grow from.
This week, we as a company demonstrated various ballet barre exercises, a jazz warm-up and across the floor, a modern exercise and center combination, a West African dance, and a tap combination. In between each style, our own company member Imani Williams spoke of the genre and broke down it's roots. It was so fun to watch him shine in a public speaking manner.
SCDT is so excited to share this video with Quad City Arts and educate students about dance and all of its techniques!
Moving Strong 2020
What Heather's mask says..."Moving Strong 2020".
It's been a YEAR everyone. I want to be the first to say a big, giant Thank You from all of us to you. We couldn't have gotten through this season without your support. After finishing our annual South Chicago Dance Festival as a virtual event, we were blown away by the amount of tickets sold and the amount of generous and supportive audience members from around the country. Virtual wasn't our favorite option - it worried us as we feel we weren't able to give you the same experience through a screen. On the complete contrary, it gave us the opportunity to reach a broader audience and share the Chicago community's artistry with people from all over. I, for one, am beyond thankful and proud.
In the spirit of moving strong and moving forward (and after a restful Thanksgiving break) we are ready to get back in the studio! There's always more work to be done!! Kicking off December, we will start to work on school show choreography for Black History Month as well as dive deeper into Kia's piece that will premiere in May. It's always a great time working on fresh new choreography, especially after such a refreshing break. We are all ready to get back in studio and back with each other. I miss my SCDT family after just one week away (so much so that we formed a Secret Santa gift exchange over break). We just can't get enough of each other, apparently!
Happy Thanksgiving and Holiday Season to you all. We are incredibly grateful to have your support for South Chicago Dance Theatre.
Panels with a Purpose
It's festival week! There are so many events, and if you haven't bought your tickets yet for the performances...there's still time! So far this week, we've experienced master classes, panel discussions, and the anticipation to view our South Chicago Dance Festival concert!
The panel discussions led us deeper into the minds of various choreographers, dancers, and teachers in the industry. Attached are segments from both Crystal Michelle Perkins and Joshua Ishmon. They spoke to multiple Zoom viewers discussing their experiences in the dance world.
What sparked some deeper thought for me was Joshua's comment that "unless it's presented to you, you never know what you were without." I was a dancer from a young age. I grew up at a studio that competed dance, performed dance, but never educated its students that dance was a career option. I was never exposed to someone who had a professional dance career and therefore I hadn't believed in myself enough to pursue my passion. It was only once I went to college and was surrounded by people who were pursuing dance or had deep knowledge of dance career options that I felt confident to become a dancer. This is solely my personal experience. I can only imagine children, especially in South Chicago, not having the exposure to the arts and realizing the possibilities it holds. I find it so important what Kia and our Chicago arts community is doing - giving kids this exposure, these opportunities, and promoting and encouraging their passions in the fine arts field.
The arts are so special. It's our passion, our purpose, our love, not just simply a career. Support your local artists! Encourage those around you to participate and appreciate the arts. I'm proud of our company for providing these special experiences.
10 Things I'm Grateful For
As it’s November, and gratitude goes hand in hand with this month of thanksgiving, I find it fitting to address the ten things I am most thankful for as a part of SCDT. Gratitude is one of my favorite practices - each morning I write down ten things in the past 24 hours that I am thankful for. Overall, it makes me happier and helps me to notice the small things that make huge impacts. So here it is, my official Gratitude List for South Chicago Dance Theatre:
- Friendships and bonds that have been created in the past three months. I can confidently say that I trust, respect, and love every member of our SCDT team.
- The importance of artistry. Kia values each artists’ personal voice as a mover and that is so fulfilling as a dancer to know that your own movement quality and quirks are seen as important.
- Kia herself. Seeing a strong and confident woman run her own company in such an organized, professional, and loving manner is inspiring.
- The challenge to be a better dancer. Everyone gives it their all in company class and in rehearsal. It constantly pushes me to grow.
- COMPANY CLASS! Can we talk about Sarah Schaefer’s ballet class every Tuesday? I have never felt more poised and like I’m actually DANCING in a ballet class than with her. And don’t even get me started on Kia’s modern - a challenge but a necessity!!
- Diverse repertoire. We are performing ballet, jazz, modern, Africanist influenced, and soulful choreography. It keeps me on my toes as a dancer and provides me the opportunity to be versatile.
- Our board!! We had a chance to invite them to our rehearsal over Zoom last month and the way they spoke about their appreciation for dance and SCDT made my heart so happy.
- The Youth Training Company! I’ve had the chance to substitute teach over Zoom for these kids and their dedication to dance reminds me why I started in the first place.
- The laughs and silliness that only dancers can understand. Being back in community with fellow dancers has made me the happiest I’ve been all year!
- The sense of belonging I feel with SCDT. We are all such a crucial part of the group. The studio is our home, we are each other’s support systems, and movement is our therapy.
South Chicago Dance Theatre is so much more than just a company to all of us dancers. We get to live out our passion, and for that I am forever thankful!
Something 'New'
Fall has always in some way signified change for me. Whether it was starting a new school year or moving to a new city, there was always something “new” come the turn of the season. Lucky for us this Fall, we have had the privilege of having our own new choreographic work. For the past few weeks we have been in rehearsal with Crystal Michelle Perkins creating a piece via Zoom. The process has been an adventure and throughout the month of October we, as a company, have seen the work mold itself into a true work of art.
For non-dancers, the art of choreography can sometimes be a mystery. I often recall my parents asking me “where do you even begin?” It’s a valid question – does it start with the music, the concept or idea, a specific storyline, or maybe a sequence of movements that you like? For each choreographer it’s different, but the process itself feels so familiar. With Crystal’s currently untitled work, it began with two phrases of choreography made in silence - ‘Part A’ and ‘Part B’. Everyone learned these two phrases quickly, and then came the deconstruction. This is where the choreographer’s mind gets to let loose and be creative. Crystal utilizes what many of us refer to as a ‘toolbox’ for choreography. Using those two base phrases, Crystal paired us off in duets and gave each of us a task. One group sped the movement up, the other retrograded it (which is SO hard on the brain if I may add), and another did all of the movement on the ground (talk about bruises for days). These adjustments are all considered choreographic tools. Using these new variations of Phrase A and B, we started to mold the piece together. Crystal placed us in formations, played around with who dances when, and saw how the movement traveled through the space. We are currently still working on the overall structure of the dance, but that’s the beauty of choreography – it’s a process and there is freedom in the construction!
I love being a paint color in an artist’s palette. It’s where I find my place in the dance world – supporting another’s artistic creation and watching it come to fruition. Crystal has been and continues to be a pleasure for us to work with. Now that you have insight on our choreographic journey, be sure to check out all of the work at South Chicago Dance Festival coming up!! We cannot wait to share our art with the community!