Contemporary dance is a dynamic and evolving art form, constantly shaped by cultural shifts and technological advancements. In recent years, we have seen that social media has become a source of discovery and a way for dancers to share their art and connect with others. With platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, dance has never been more accessible. The pandemic has shifted the way performances were presented, creating new challenges and opportunities in the dance industry. Here, we will explore the impact that social media has had on influencing how contemporary dance is created and performed, as well as the different avenues that have opened for new talent and audience engagement.
Pandemic Impact
The way the public views dance has recently changed due to the pandemic. When dance companies were unable to perform in theaters, they needed workarounds to stay afloat. This is where the use of technology and social media came into play.
With the restrictions during the pandemic, studios and dance companies had to push the boundaries of what live art originally was and find ways to share and continue their business. Dance for camera existed before, but the pandemic pushed it into the spotlight. As it became increasingly difficult to bring people to theaters, companies decided to bring the art to the viewers’ screens.
Contemporary dance companies took the choreography that was supposed to be performed in theaters and turned it into dance for camera, where the dancers were directed, and the performances were pre-filmed. Dance companies then sold tickets to view these pre-recorded or sometimes live shows. The use of technology and media kept many companies and studios afloat.
Discoverability
In the past, dancers from all genres would move to major cities such as New York, California, and Chicago to have a chance at finding agents and excelling in their careers. With the extensive growth of social media in recent years, more dancers are posting videos of themselves dancing during performances or even in the rehearsal process. Agents who used to limit their searches to major cities now have the opportunity to discover new talent from their phones. The popular social media platform TikTok has changed the way the dance industry discovers new talent forever.
The now-famous contemporary dancer Michael Dameski, best known for being on the show World of Dance, is an Australian dancer. From a young age, he was talented, and with his exposure on the popular dance show, he has found success in LA, both teaching and taking classes. He has collaborated with many other contemporary dancers, further expanding his reach through social media.
Dance Companies and TV Shows
Dance has not only expanded on social media but also in TV series across various streaming platforms. A more recent example is the show Dance Life on Amazon Prime. Brent Street Performing Arts, a dance company in Australia, has been in the spotlight on social media for a few years now. The showcasing videos of their rehearsals, quick intricate movements, and athleticism.
They have used social media to demonstrate that they offer an elite training program for dancers, helping them further their careers. With their major success on social media, and top-notch contemporary choreographers, they were able to catch Amazon Prime’s attention for a show about their dance academy and how rigorous training produces some of the top dancers in the world.
It is clear that without the impact of media, the dance world would be in a completely different place. There would have been a major drop in dance companies and studios suffering during the pandemic, a lack of dance for cameras, and dancers would still have to move to major cities and pay thousands of dollars to find agents. The media has created a form of accessibility that the dance community was lacking, allowing for new opportunities to continue growing and expanding. As we look to the future, social media will continue to play a vital role in shaping how contemporary dance is seen and perceived.
Leave a Reply