College Dance and The Little Details
A Quick Introduction
The world of college dance is filled with intricate details and unseen dedication that often goes unnoticed. Far from the misconception of effortless spins and graceful movements, it involves a rigorous routine of attending classes fully prepared, from perfect hair and makeup to using every spare moment to rehearse and refine. College dancers embody commitment, pushing themselves to improve at every opportunity. This photo essay captures the essence of their discipline and the reality of the people who make the magic of dance come to life on the stage.
The ballet bun. A hairstyle dancers have mastered, and put their hair into daily for years. A dancers hair is no stranger to elastics, pins, spray, gel, you name it. A slick back style is what keeps your movements crystal clear and your surroundings visible.
Performance makeup? A dancer knows a thing or two about that...and so does the bathroom counter. There is no rhyme or reason for the way things end up while performance makeup is getting done. Things just end up where they end up. All to be thrown back into a makeup bag to be ready to go for any touchups throughout the day.
'Twas the night before competition and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...not even the jazz costume. Prepped and ready to go, costumes are hung up the night before any performance or competition to loosen any wrinkles the bag may have caused.
In the zone at all times. With bags and pom-poms in tow, a dancers headphones are always on hand to help them lock in for the events ahead. Whether its the walk to the studio, a basketball game, or to class, music is flowing through a dancers body as they visualize the routines in their heads.
Stretching is never a waste of time. It's one of the most crucial pieces of being rehearsal and performance ready. Stretching and warming up prior to moving is essential to maintaining flexibility and minimizing the risk of getting injured.
College Prep clinics are the key to future success. Getting into a clinic to work on style, performance, and all things dance team is many dancers first step in making it to the UDA stage.
Not only are they dancers, but students. With the grueling hours of practice, strength training, and community work, it takes a lot to be able to balance it all. But these student athletes do it with grace, and make it look easy. Janessa and Rylee take a moment to talk with prospective dancers about the commitment it takes.
Rationale Behind the Piece
The goal of this photo essay is to provide an authentic glimpse into the world of college dance, showcasing the dedication, discipline, and passion that go into the sport. College dance is often oversimplified as just an activity. However, this project looks to challenge that perception by highlighting the hard work and nuances behind the performances. From getting ready, rehearsals, clinics, and being students, this photo essay captures the balance between artistry and athleticism that defines college dancers.
Categorization of Photos
These photos can be categorized into three main themes:
Preparation: This category includes images of getting ready. Shots of makeup, fixing hair, or stretching provide a glimpse into the routines.
Movement: These photos highlight the rehearsal and performance aspect of dance. With dancers showcasing movement, adjusting positioning, or focusing intensely. Shots of dancers performing and learning emphasize the nature of training.
Candid: The final category captures the magic of performance and behind the scenes with vibrant outfits, dynamic movements, and the more relaxed moments. These images represent the littlest of details.
Analysis of Photos
These photos were shot to evoke emotion and provide context to the viewers. Close-up shots emphasize the details—the hair, stretching, or the delicate rhinstones on a costume. Wide-angle shots capture the collective energy of group routines like the pom combo. The use of natural light from the studios floor to ceiling windows and shadows in some images creates depth, while controlled studio lighting in others enhances clarity and vibrancy. Each photo tells its own story while contributing to the larger narrative of the essay.
Storytelling Techniques
The project implemented several visual storytelling techniques to ensure visual harmony and impact:
Balance: Photos were composed to distribute visual weight evenly, whether through symmetry in group formations or dynamic asymmetry in action shots.
Emphasis: Certain elements, such as a dancer’s pointed toe or a vibrant costume detail, were highlighted to draw attention to the focal point of the image.
Contrast: The combination of light and dark, stillness and movement, was used to create visual interest and highlight the duality of dance - grace and strength.
W.E.D: Writing, Editing, and Design all play a role in this representation of college dancers. All three work together to fully tell the story.
Reflection and Impact
This project was designed to invite viewers into the often unseen world of college dancers. The photos aim to tell a story that words alone can't convey. By focusing on the journey rather than just the destination, the essay provides a fuller picture of what it means to be a college dancer.
Ultimately, this photo essay serves not only as a visual document but also as a celebration of the passion, determination, and spirit of those who live and breathe dance. Through the careful selection of images and thoughtful application of design principles, this project hopes foster a deeper understanding of dancers.