The first step to any choreographic process is making the choice of what the choreography expresses. An artist’s mind is never unlimited, but unfortunately society attempts to limit artistic expression.
UVU offers an environment that encourages any form of expression, despite the barriers set up by society. An example of this is the choreographic choices of Lane Swenson, a sophomore majoring in ballroom dance. The choreography club began this summer. Its members are given the experience of choreographing dances of any genre and have the opportunity to show their choreography on campus. Swenson, a club member, decided to break open break open barriers with his jazz choreography.
“[The] choreography that I am utilizing really takes back to 1980s Bob Fosse,” he said.
Fosse was known as a dark choreographer who drew from very sexualized movements. As Swenson dove deeper into this concept, controversy rose about the integrity of his dance. Despite his barrier breaking choreography, the university continues to be supportive of giving choreographers the freedom to express whatever they may.
“I think that when you break barriers down, you are introducing a whole new audience to something that [they] may have never seen before,” Swenson said. “At first you are going to have a little push back. … But then the more they are introduced to it, the more the norm becomes.”
Dance is always evolving and as artistic choices are not always accepted, but UVU allows the freedom of artistic expression.
Martha Graham, who is considered the ‘mother of modern dance’ said, “Expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium, and be lost.” Thanks to UVU and the brave choreographic expression of Lane Swenson, Utah is one step closer to finding free expression across all art mediums.
