Dear Sir/Madam,

I am a final year student currently studying at the Nottingham Trent University in Nottingham studying BA Interior Architecture and Design. As part of my final year project, I am designing a Centre for Performing Arts in particular Dance.


I find it very fascinating how the human body movement can create perfect arches and contours through dance. Therefore, by observing these body movements, I would translate the three dimensions of human body movement into an interior and architectural presence, and make it ‘dance’ throughout the building. I still find my concept very vague, and would like to focus it more on a narrative/ dance piece and use that make a "journey" throughout the space.



To be honest, i have no background or experience in Dance whatsoever, and therefore would really appreciate it if you could help me understand a little about movement & expression through dance. What dance pieces (well known) would you recommend me use that desribes:



1. energetic

2. graceful and sophisticated

3. dramatic

4. exitement



I would like to implement these different "drama" into the space... Looking forward to hearing from you soon.



Thank You

DK, I would look at Balanchine's "Serenade" -- particularly the signature movement with the entire cast's arms raised.

I should think this would translate very well into an architectural statement.

I would also recommend looking at Balanchine's "leotard' ballets such as "Symphony in Three Movements" and "Agon". Both have strong architectural thrusts that delve into the musical structures of Stravinsky's scores.

On the "modern" side of the aisle, Pilobolus might bear looking at.

Hey Guys

Thanks for the reply. I really appreciate it.

I've googled the pieces that you've mentioned above, but couldn't seem to find an excerpt/videos on it.

I was just wondering if you can tell me where i could find all these information.

Thank You

I know that there are commercial videos available of the major Balanchine works and -- in this country, at least (according to Amazon.com) -- Pilobolus is also represented on tape.

In the UK, Dance Books shows some Pilobolus books and calendars, and several books and DVDs about Balanchine.

Copyright protections preclude these items from being offered for free over the 'Net.

Hi salzberg,

I've looked at Pilobolus website and was really fascinated by the movements and could see how its gonna work in the space.

I've seen the list of their Active Repertoire. But i wasn't sure which one to chose from, and was wondering if you know one that i could translate into the space.

I'm hardly the expert on Pilobolus; all I can suggest is that you look at several pieces and decide which ones resonate with you.

Hi there,

Dance and space have always been interesting to me.
This website is perhaps something for you, it's about an Japanese project on dance and space:
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/tokyo/sd/index_e.html

This is the website of a Dutch group of "mimes/movers" who always performed in different buildings instead of theatres. They always also had some dancers in their midst. The website is in Dutch but has interesting photo's: http://www.bewth.nl/ Sadly the group has to stop due to too little funding.

Browsing the internet I also found this website http://www.arch.mcgill.ca/prof/mellin/a ... ition.html which has deals with an idea to make a space for dance performances.
Good luck with your final year project.

greetings Jetty