The next level of "Performance Art" by Madeline

The next level of "Performance Art" by Madeline - September 2019 Scholarship Essay

The performing and visual arts have always been separate in schools. Technically in the same category, but in reality neither has anything to do with the other. So although I love both there has never been a way to combine my love of performing on stage, with my love of creating on paper or canvas. But I think I’ve finally figured out how to join the two: Dance Painting.

Not a super catchy name, I know, but that can be ironed out later, the concept is what matters. Dance Painting is exactly what it sounds like: dancing and painting at the same time; a combination of choreographed dancing, and finger painting (or in this case, foot painting). The dancers would dip their feet in paint during parts of the choreography, and dance across a large sheet of paper or canvas. It would be timed and set to music of course, but it would be set up in such a way that by the end of the dance they would have painted a complete picture. And that is where the fun comes in.

Choosing which dancers would also be painters, planning the painting, picking the music, choreographing it so that it looked appealing as a group dance and also created a beautiful painting, there’s so much that could be done with this. It would require a lot of planning and teamwork no doubt, but in the end, it would be a memorable, fun experience for everyone involved.

Dance Painting would be a wonderful addition to any high school. This is an activity that would combine Dance, Theatre, P.E., and Art, as well as teach teamwork, leadership, cooperation, and planning skills, while also still being fun. It’s a win-win situation all around.