Self-Reflection on "Jazz Ain't Nothing But Soul"

Introduction

Creating the supplementary material for my manifesto, "Showcasing the Depth of African Diaspora Art Production," has been a profound journey. This artistic showcase encapsulates the nuances of my creative process, theoretical applications, and the practical manifestations of these theories in dance and performance art. Each element, from videos of movement studies and rehearsals to articles and assessment documents, collectively provides a comprehensive view of my work in African Diaspora art.

Movement Studies and Rehearsals

The videos included in this collection, which range from movement studies to technical exercises, represent the foundational work behind each performance. These clips offer a glimpse into the meticulous preparation and artistic exploration that underpins my performances. They illustrate the rigor and dedication required to bring each piece to life, emphasizing the disciplined yet creative process that defines African Diaspora dance.

Performance Recordings

Integral to this collection are recordings of various iterations of "Jazz Ain't Nothing But Soul," the culminating showcase of my artistic practice. These recordings trace the evolution of the performance, capturing its adaptation across different settings and times. They provide a unique opportunity to witness the dynamic nature of my work, showcasing how each iteration brings new insights and refinements to the performance.

Lectures and Theoretical Expositions

The included recordings of my lectures delve into the theories and practices guiding my work. These presentations offer an educational perspective on the principles that inform my artistic vision, providing a deeper understanding of the intellectual framework behind my choreography. They articulate the connection between theory and practice, demonstrating how scholarly inquiry informs and enriches my creative output.

Artist Bios and Reflections

Short biographies of the artists involved, along with additional reflections from myself, shed light on the personal journeys and contributions of each collaborator. These insights emphasize the collective nature of artistic creation and the diverse influences that enrich our work. Each artist brings their unique background and expertise, contributing to the rich tapestry of our performances.

Articles and Assessment Documents

Published articles and documents used for assessing my dance technique add a scholarly dimension to my artistic practice. These texts articulate the theoretical frameworks and pedagogical approaches employed, further elucidating the depth and rigor of the work. They highlight the ongoing dialogue between practice and theory, showcasing how each informs and enhances the other.

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Costumes and Visual Elements

The costumes in "Jazz Ain't Nothing But Soul" play a crucial role in the storytelling. The skirts of light and shadows, cowrie shell necklaces, and the sartorial dialogue between eras are not just dress but active participants in the performance. They reflect and refract light, interact with stage elements, and symbolize cultural heritage, creating an ethereal ambiance that bridges the realms of the tangible and the mystical.

Energetic Bridge, Kinetic Entrainer, Kinetically Entrained

In my work, the roles of the Energetic Bridge, Kinetic Entrainer, and Kinetically Entrained are essential in creating a cohesive and engaging performance. These concepts involve dancers who connect various segments, set the rhythm and tone, and synchronize their movements with the ensemble. These roles ensure a fluid and dynamic storytelling experience, maintaining narrative and emotional continuity.

The Role of Light

In my choreographic vision, light is not just a tool for illumination but a living entity, a dynamic partner to the dancers on stage. The interplay of light and shadow, the use of textures and gobos, and the careful balance of warm and cold tones enhance the visual impact of our performances. Light becomes an active character, interacting with the dancers and contributing to the narrative.

Yanvalou and Spiritual Balancing

Integrating Yanvalou into my choreography serves as a crucial balancing element. It ensures that the dancers remain fully conscious and the performance does not unintentionally slip into the liminal space of a ritual. Yanvalou's undulating movements offer a grounding rhythm, preventing any escalation into trance states and creating a cohesive and harmonious spiritual landscape on stage.

Rehearsal Reflections

Rehearsing for "Jazz Ain't Nothing But Soul" is an intricate process deeply rooted in rhythmic communication. The need to recreate exercises with new dancers to reach the same level of "contact" emphasizes the dynamic nature of our work. Each rehearsal is a journey of discovery, finding "who we are together" in each rendition. This process fosters a profound sense of ownership and natural embodiment among the performers.

Transition from Film to Live Performance

The transition of "Jazz Ain’t Nothing But Soul" from a dance film, "That Voudou That We Do," to a live performance before an audience, was a significant milestone. This shift involved creating new music, choreographing fresh segments, and reimagining certain sections. The circular formation and polyfrontal engagement enhanced the sense of communal support among performers, offering a powerful tool for creating a supportive environment.

Iterations and Adaptations

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Each iteration of "Jazz Ain’t Nothing But Soul," from Hammerfest to Grimstad to Kristiansund, has brought unique dynamics and challenges. New performers, vocal styles, and rhythmic influences have enriched the performance, encouraging a more spontaneous and 'in the moment' approach. These adaptations highlight the fluidity and adaptability required in live performance, showcasing the beauty of collaborative creation.

Choreographic Pieces and Their Symbolism

The choreographic pieces, from "Linger On" to "Say My Name" to "GRAINS OF SAND," each tell a powerful story. They delve into themes of resilience, identity, and the ongoing quest for justice. The movements and lyrics are deeply symbolic, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of the African and Caribbean diaspora.

The Role of Poetry

The integration of poetry in the performance adds a profound narrative layer. Poems like "I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOUR GROWTH" and "RIDDIM" embody the complex emotions and experiences of the African Diaspora. They are performed as spoken word, interpreted kinetically, creating a dynamic interplay between voice and movement.

Reflections on the Learning Process

What Did I Learn from the Process?

Creating "Jazz Ain't Nothing But Soul" has been an enlightening and transformative experience. Key lessons include:

1. Interconnectedness of Theory and Practice: The seamless integration of theoretical frameworks with practical application underscored the dynamic relationship between these elements. The process of refining choreographies based on theoretical insights, and vice versa, highlighted the importance of this interplay in producing deeply resonant art.

2. The Power of Light and Space: The strategic use of lighting and circular orientation in the performance space was crucial. Light not only illuminated the performers but also symbolized hope and resilience. The circular arrangement created an inclusive and safe environment, fostering a sense of unity and protection among the performers.

3. The Role of Racism and Resilience: Addressing systemic oppression through art revealed the power of dance and music as forms of resistance and resilience. This process emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces for performers to express their experiences and emotions related to racial injustice.

4. Polyfrontal Engagement Options: The strategic placement of musicians and singers around the stage provided polyfrontal engagement options. This setup allowed dancers to interact with the audience, musicians, and each other from multiple directions, enhancing the depth and dynamism of the performance. It created a richer, more immersive experience by allowing performers to draw energy and inspiration from all around them.

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5. Collaboration and Community: The contributions from dancers, musicians, and technical crew highlighted the significance of collective creativity. Each collaborator brought unique perspectives and skills, enriching the performance and adding depth to the artistic expression.

6. Cultural Resonance and Adaptation: The integration of diverse cultural elements, from Caribbean dances to spiritual practices, demonstrated the importance of cultural resonance in art. Adapting these elements in a way that respects their origins while making them relevant to contemporary audiences was a valuable lesson.

What is Unique About the Process?

The uniqueness of this process lies in several key aspects:

1. Holistic Integration of Elements: The seamless blending of dance, music, spoken word, and visual elements created a multi-sensory experience. This holistic approach ensured that every aspect of the performance contributed to the overall narrative and emotional impact.

2. Circular Orientation and Safety: The circular arrangement of the performance space was not just a spatial choice but a symbolic one. Circles have historically represented unity, wholeness, and protection. This orientation allowed performers to feel safe, fostering an environment where they could express themselves freely and vulnerably. The circle also helped protect performers from the isolating effects of the audience's gaze, particularly in contexts where racism might be a concern. This arrangement fostered a sense of safety and solidarity among performers, enabling them to perform with greater freedom and authenticity.

3. Correct Lighting for Melanated Dancers: The meticulous attention to lighting was critical in ensuring that the beauty and depth of melanated skin were highlighted. By using specific filters and techniques, we were able to showcase the dancers' skin tones vibrantly and naturally. This not only enhanced the visual appeal but also contributed to the dancers' sense of being seen and valued on stage.

4. Intergenerational Collaboration: The intergenerational aspect of the performance created a unique space where seasoned performers and younger artists could inspire and learn from each other. This collaboration fostered a dynamic exchange of knowledge, techniques, and experiences, enriching the performance and deepening the sense of community.

5. Innovative Filming Techniques: The innovations we introduced in filming techniques, particularly in capturing parallax, spheric, and polycentric dance, were notable achievements. These techniques allowed us to capture the depth and dimensionality of the dancers' movements, enhancing the visual impact of the performance and providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Contributions from Others

The contributions from various collaborators were invaluable in shaping the performance:

1. Dancers: Each dancer brought their unique style and cultural background, enriching the choreography with diverse movements and expressions. Their input during

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rehearsals helped refine the dance sequences and ensured that the movements were authentic and resonant.

2. Musicians and Vocalists: The musicians and vocalists added a crucial auditory dimension to the performance. Their ability to adapt and respond to the dancers' movements created a dynamic interplay that enhanced the overall impact of the show.

3. Technical Crew: The lighting designers, costume designers, and stage managers played essential roles in creating the visual and atmospheric elements of the performance. Their expertise ensured that the technical aspects were executed flawlessly, contributing to the immersive experience.

4. Cultural Advisors: Collaborations with cultural advisors and mentors provided invaluable insights into the authentic representation of African and Caribbean traditions. Their guidance helped maintain the integrity and depth of the cultural elements incorporated into the performance.

How Can It Benefit the Field?

The process and the final product of "Jazz Ain't Nothing But Soul" offer several benefits to the field of African Diaspora art and beyond:

1. Model for Integrative Performance: The holistic approach to integrating dance, music, spoken word, and visual elements can serve as a model for creating multi- sensory performances that engage audiences on multiple levels.

2. Cultural Preservation and Innovation: By respecting and adapting traditional cultural elements, the performance demonstrates how cultural preservation can coexist with innovation. This approach can inspire other artists to explore and reinterpret their cultural heritage in contemporary contexts.

3. Collaborative Creativity: The emphasis on collaboration highlights the importance of collective creativity in producing rich and nuanced art. This can encourage more collaborative projects in the field, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among artists.

4. Educational Resource: The supplementary materials, including videos, articles, and theoretical expositions, provide a comprehensive resource for scholars, students, and practitioners. They offer insights into the creative process, theoretical applications, and practical techniques, making them valuable for educational purposes.

5. Representation and Visibility: The performance and its documentation contribute to the visibility and representation of African Diaspora art. By showcasing the depth and richness of this art form, it can help combat stereotypes and promote a more nuanced understanding of African and Caribbean cultural expressions.

6. Lighting and Technical Knowledge Sharing: The detailed approach to lighting design for melanated skin tones provided valuable insights and knowledge to each venue we worked with. This can improve future performances at these venues and contribute to broader industry standards for lighting diverse skin tones.

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7. Creating Safe Spaces: The circular orientation and polyfrontal engagement options protected performers from the isolating effects of the audience's gaze, particularly in contexts where racism might be a concern. This arrangement fostered a sense of safety and solidarity among performers, enabling them to perform with greater freedom and authenticity.

8. Intergenerational Exchange: The opportunity for intergenerational collaboration within the ensemble created a rich environment for mutual learning and inspiration. This exchange benefited not only the individual performers but also contributed to the continuity and evolution of the cultural and artistic traditions being represented.

THE PERFORMERS Dance artists

• Joel Ramirez

• Wolman Michelle Luciano

• Shirley Langhelle

• Dana Hamburgo

• Serjo Sankareh

• Gloria Kapako

  Vocalist

• Tracee Meyn

• Siv Misund

• Stian Ehi Jensen

• Mariama Ndure

• Trina Coleman

• Laetitia

  Precussion and instruments

• Sidiki Camara

• Solo Diarra

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• Bacary Sagna • Gibou

Creative Technitians:

• Reidar Richardsen

• Vidar Braun

  Poet:

• Thomas Talawa Prestø Choreography and concept:

• Thomas Talawa Prestø Song writer:

• Monica Ifejilika