Exploration of Social Interactions Through Dance

Abstract

Within an individual’s everyday life, there are vast amounts of effects caused by distractions that often go unnoticed. The unnoticed effects of interferences can include loss of information and confusion. In regards to situations that only occur once, the effects of distractions can be detrimental, because the information presented within the situation will never be shown identically again. The purpose of this study is to present the effects of distractions through a new medium, dance, in order to present awareness of the impact of social interferences. The high prevalence of technological distractions within society has inspired the main focus of the choreography created. Students will be chosen from the Texas A&M University Dance Program based upon an audition for the work. The students then will complete a series of scheduled rehearsals over several months. During the presentation of the choreography, technological distractions will be placed within the audience to pull the spectator’s focus from the piece. Upon completion of the dance, survey questions will be given to members viewing the work to evaluate their perception of the choreography and the planted technological distractions. The expected results of the study will indicate that the audience was unable to provide their full attention to the choreography due to the various distractions. Having technological distractions within the performance setting will provide a realistic situation to everyday life to study the effects of interferences. With art being a time-dependent field, focus is crucial for the successful conveyance of the choreographer’s ideas to the audience. This concept proves important because distractions also interrupt interactions on a daily basis. In comparison with dance, distractions in individuals’ everyday lives, can cause gaps of crucial information to be missed.