Archive for the 'General' Category Page 4 of 6



Engaging with Audiences Online

It seems that there must be numerous ways that the arts can use web technologies to create new modes of support for artists, while also creating more engaging ways for audiences to feel involved with the art, the artists, and the artistic process. In particular, the web offers ways to leverage the size of the arts community to develop tools and services that benefit the arts at large.

audience members leave feedback

A perfect example of this is the way that Fractured Atlas, an arts service organization, is able to negotiate better health care plans for artists by serving a wide population of artists. Large numbers of people can create positive impacts.

As the artistic director of Misnomer Dance Theater, I’ve been looking at ways to contribute not only to Misnomer Dance, but the arts as well.

For example, we are currently competing as an Ideablob finalist to win $10,000 to develop web tools aimed at helping performing arts groups to build and broaden online audience involvement. The prize goes to the idea that receives the most online user votes.

The contest funds $10K to an initiative every month and runs through March. (You can check out and vote for our entry here before Dec. 31st, or register and submit your own idea for next month’s contest!)

We think this is a great example of a creative way that online arts communities can raise funds to help the arts without making direct contributions themselves.

Are there other online methods that you’ve found to help groups raise funds for the arts without individual personal contributions? If so, let us know by replying to this post. Together, we can help generate ideas that artists can test and use so that we can all grow the arts together.

Choreographing Bjork’s Music Video

bjorkIn addition to the new music video “Declare Independence” directed by Michel Gondry, Bjork has another music video for “Wanderlust” due out in 2008. The video was choreographed by Chris Elam and features Misnomer dancers Brynne Billingsley and Coco Karol. As the music video is released, we will post pictures and videos of the process.

An interesting note – the entire production for Wanderlust was shot in 3D, in a relatively new process. The production also featured a great deal of technology on set. Isaiah, the music video director, explains all the different components:

“There are a number of different elements shot, or created in post [production], that all have to be combined, There is a large-scale, pre-human Yak-puppet, about 7-feet long and 7-feet tall, then there is Björk, then there is a version of Björk that she wears on her backpack played by [Coco Karol] a professional dancer, a large river god/transcendental beast, the landscapes shot in miniature and the CG [computer graphics] river. So each of those elements were manifested in a completely different environment and shot differently. “

For a detailed explanation of the process, read the full article on StudioDaily: http://www.studiodaily.com/main/technique/casestudies/8811.html

Check back here for pictures, videos, and more…Until then, enjoy watching Bjork’s latest video by Michel Gondry, “Declare Independence” [found via Create Digital Motion]

Developing Online Tools for the Arts

The internet has created new opportunities for artists who continually struggle to find funding. Now, we need help proving that’s true. Misnomer has put together a proposal to build online tools for the dance world. Now, we have a shot at making that a reality, through IdeaBlob (a site to win $ for your ideas). With your vote and this $10k, we’ll be creating exciting ways for people to discover arts online!


chris and brynne

In addition to creating work for for Misnomer Dance Theater, we have been working to develop free tools to increase bookings and revenue for performing artists, and create engaging online content for you, our audiences.

I have a background in computer science, and a deep interest in helping the performing arts effectively utilize the web to develop lasting relationships with audiences online. Our initial efforts were featured in Business Week Magazine, so we know we are building something useful. With your help, we can help artists across the board while building the arts community! We’re asking readers to support our idea on IdeaBlob!

What will Misnomer do if we win $10,000 for this idea?

Your vote will help us

1) BUILD web-streaming capabilities for rehearsals enabling audiences to “attend” live rehearsals online and interact directly with artists.

2) CREATE an online theater in which visitors can watch and direct performances from multiple perspectives including back stage views, and performers’ point of view via body mounted cameras.

3) DEVELOP tools to request and display the geography of artist’s online audiences. Venues in new cities can then have ready-made audience bases.

We hope these online tools will help transform artist’s websites into sites of participation.

We anticipate this will create great impact in the arts world!

VOTE FOR US on IdeaBlob (reg req’d)! Or, heck, register your own idea!

“For people who want to be better informed, the Internet itself is the key. For those who want to join the process, the Web is where we merely start.”
-Dan Gillmor, We the Media

Choreographic Reflections

I was writing a choreographic narrative for an award that I was nominated for and decided to share this to provide insight into my thinking about my work:

My contemporary dance work both has and hasn’t changed over the last five years. The two main constants are my drive to investigate the ways that people engage and connect with themselves and with others, and my desire to use research and first-hand exploration to expand the ways in which I conceive of and implement choreography.

I am intrigued by human emotions – the tenderness, humor, and absurdity that drive our day-to-day interactions – and view our uniquely human efforts to understand one another as a powerful and moving shared resource. I harness these interests by creating works in which people negotiate their bodies, relationships and circumstances creatively, leading viewers to identify with the movement and the performers in a personal way.

My work examines how we use our bodies to create meaning, interpret situations, learn and play, boldly state who we are and impact one another. My core questions concern human identity and how cognition and emotions are grounded in the body’s actions.

Continue reading ‘Choreographic Reflections’

Dance Magazine Features Misnomer Dance + Technology

Dance Magazine’s December 2007 issue came out with a huge feature on Dance & Technology which includes a significant interview with Chris Elam.

This article includes a comprehensive review of online initiatives in dance, including the great work of Kristin Sloan and Doug Fox.

You can read the full article as a PDF.


dance magazine article

If you have thoughts about the ways that we are using the web, feedback about your experiences with Misnomer online or in the theater, or suggestions for how we can further improve the ways we share our work with you online, please let us know with a comment.

Misnomer Members Joins (Inter)mission Social Network

(Inter)mission is a new initiative by Kristin Sloan – a social network for the dance community. After all the discussion and development in the online space, Kristin has put together a very functional site.

intermission

During our workshop at The Field, both Chris and myself discussed how online spaces can create revenue for artists. Myspace, Facebook, and YouTube are now such broad networks, and are easy to get lost in. One of the ideas that came out of the workshop was to develop a focused social network space for Dance. Kristin is simply ahead of the curve here.

A focused space for individuals with similar interests can really work for bonding within the community. I am very hopeful that this will also create the opportunity for groups and individuals to reach a broader audience as well.

View my profile or Chris’ profile, and join the community!

Misnomer in the Business Section of Today’s New York Times

Marci Alboher wrote an article today in the Business Section of the New York Times in which she featured Misnomer Dance for its’ flexible workspace and online innovations:

Chris Elam’s Misnomer is a big proponent of transparency. His company videotapes rehearsals and even office meetings for posting on its video blog, which allows audiences to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a dance company. “Dance audiences traditionally interact with a dance company for only two hours a year and maybe get a couple of postcards,” Mr. Elam said. “But so much happens outside the performance, and we are trying to find ways of making the whole function of the company more open-source.”

Her article included a photo of Misnomer’s office in the Times:

Using her article as inspiration, we decided to give everyone a tour of Misnomer’ home office with a video we edited which the Times linked on their blog:


The Business Section of the NY Times is a section where dance seldom goes. We are glad to be able to outreach to wide sections of society and hope this turns some new eyes to dance!

Misnomer Unpacked Series, Episode One: Inside the Tinman

The “Unpacked Series” is our newest video feature. Each episode will give an inside scoop on a piece from Misnomer’s repertory from the perspective of the performers. Hear about what’s going through the dancers’ minds when they are onstage in Chris’ work!

Episode One: “Inside the Tinman”

misnomer unpacked episode 1

Choreography: “Tinman” by Chris Elam
Music: Chris Elam and Malina Rausenfels
Interview/ Video Editing: Dorian Nuskind-Oder
Appearing in this Episode: Chris Elam

Misnomer Featured on Great Dance

Doug Fox & Eva Yaa Asantewaa have been producing audio interviews with figures in the dance world on Great Dance. This week’s podcast features our own Chris Elam. Past interviews have included Miguel Gutierrez, Nolini Barretto, Ashleigh Leite, and Tony Waag among others.

Listen to the Interview

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For the full article, including pictures and videos from Misnomer, visit Great Dance.

As part of Great Dance’s effort to create a central hub for all things Dance, we will be writing articles and posts on their blog as well. The first posts will focus on our current residency at the Baryshnikov Arts Center.

Misnomer at Baryshnikov Arts Center

We’re excited to be part of Great Dance’s Great Effort and would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave comments or questions about the interview right here on our blog!

New York City Dance Group Photo

Chez Bushwick is organizing a great event in NYC for all NYC Dancers, friends, and well…anyone who wants to be in a group picture. This Sunday, a community photo is being taken of the New York City dance community. This project is initiated by Sarma (Belgium) and produced by Chez Bushwick (USA).

The target audience is anyone who considers himself or herself to be part of the New York dance community: individuals and ensembles are welcome to come and be part of the group picture. The resulting photograph will be labeled Dance Community Picture New York 2007, and will be distributed on websites and in art and dance magazines.

The photo will be taken in Northeast quadrant of Bryant Park, which is on 42nd street between 5th and 6th avenues. This event will take place this Sunday, September 23rd at 2:00 PM.

Let us know if you’re going to be there! And check our flickr stream for our photos of the day