Vision and Perspectives

David Shimotakahara’s Vision for GroundWorks frames the organization’s mission and focuses the objectives of it’s strategic plan.  It has four main features.  

1)      Present new and vital choreography and dance related forms of theater to the public

2)      Reach new audiences for dance in both conventional and non traditional settings.

3)      Consider economy of to be a defining characteristic of the work and not a limitation.   

4)      Find ways to make the public’s experience of dance more meaningful.

The exploration of these concepts raise will drive the efforts of the organization, and will define the nature of the work it undertakes. 

1)  Present new and vital choreography and dance related forms of theater to the public

 In order to assess what is new and vital GroundWorks must begin to challenge some existing assumptions by asking the question, What constitutes a dance performance?  GroundWorks will experiment with programming that looks for new ways to present dance.  What are some of the ways the emphasis in a dance concert could shift to involve the work of interdisciplinary collaborators?  Their contributions need not be limited to supporting the movement.  Enlarging the scope of what is presented, raises the possibilities for interesting hybrids that can engage audiences in unexpected ways.

2)     Reach new audiences for dance in both conventional and non traditional settings.

 As GroundWorks includes artists of other disciplines in more active partnerships so can it hope to attract a wider spectrum of the public interest.  When looking at what constitutes a dance performance questions about location emerge.  In considering the theatrical experience in it’s entirety, all the elements must contribute.  In traditional performance settings the environment surrounding the audience is supposed to disappear.  Presenting dance outside of this context opens up the possibility of an awareness of the dance in relation to the space it is performed in. Opening up the “box” opens another dimension for the audience to consider.  In more conventional settings using smaller theaters will take advantage of some under utilized resources in the area.  Making dance more accessible by virtue of location should not be overlooked.

 3)     Consider economy to be a defining characteristic of the work and not a limitation.

In the initial stages of development GroundWorks must work efficiently and economically in all areas of it’s operations.  All personnel and artistic talent will be contracted based on the requirements of the work, being conceived or performed.  In addition to being cost effective this practice affords a degree of artistic flexibility necessary to match the best talents with the variety of projects the organization will undertake.  GroundWorks will target projects that can be produced effectively and on a small scale in order to capitalize on opportunities considered unfeasible by larger organizations. As a philosophy affecting creative choices operating on a small or intimate scale is not perceived as a limiting factor.  GroundWorks seeks to involve audiences in performance environments where by virtue of their proximity to the action the viewer is brought into a heightened relationship with the dance.

4)     Find ways to make the public’s experience of dance more meaningful.

 Meaning is at the heart of David Shimotakahara’s vision for GroundWorks Dancetheater.  It’s exploration raises some universal concerns.  How can we reengage disaffected audiences for dance?  How do we begin to make highly evolved concepts in live performance more accessible?  What are the balances underlying accessibility and artistic integrity?  David Shimotakahara’s vision for GroundWorks Dancetheater creates some valid responses to these questions.  Exploring new combinations between disciplines creates new synergies for theater that is alive and compelling.  Enlarging the notion of where dance can be presented has the potential to bring new relationships into the content of the work.  The audience’s perception of both the work and the surrounding environment, may be enhanced.  Taking dance into new venues does not assume any illusions about the ability of dance to attract an audience in the conventional context.  It is an effort to reach beyond conventions and establish new connections.  Economizing the scale of operations in proportion to the development of the organization and it’s resources reflects a realistic view of how to remain viable and competitive.  Additionally, by embracing smaller scale, there is an opportunity for both audience and performers to become reacquainted with a richness of subtlety and nuance effective in the intimate setting. The organization will also develop educational forums (DanceReads) to help the public understand more about the process of creating dance.  These forums will encourage honest reaction to the work and actively engage the public in voicing it’s opinions.  By creating a dialogue around the work an audience awareness is built.  The artist is given new insights and the audience is coaxed out of their role as passive observers. 

By realizing this vision GroundWorks can establish a more responsive and immediate connection to it’s audience, one with the potential to be more meaningful.  This vision reinforces GroundWorks Dancetheater’s mission in determining the activities of the organization or Projects.  It informs how those activities are realized.  They can be summarized in these ways.

 a)      Fully produced performances in traditional theater venues.

b)      Appropriately produced performances in non traditional settings.

c)      Informally produced showings of work in conjunction with educational formats,(DanceReads)

d)      Master Classes focusing on performance techniques and training.

e)      Workshops focusing on choreographic craft and diverse creative issues.