ABSTRACT

Experiencing how the lens works in relation to human movement is fundamental to understanding how to approach making dance for the screen. This chapter explores the role of the camera in video dance. The camera is a powerful tool. Through the use of different shots and angles, the camera can offer the viewer new and surprising perspectives on the performer. An understanding of this characteristic of the lens informs how choreography is created for the camera and how the camera is positioned and moves in relationship to the dance. Making video dance very often involves many different people working together and sharing a vision of what is being created. People can explore the possibilities themselves by looking through the lens and changing the camera's position on relation to what is in frame. The chapter helps to explore camera movement in relation to a performer moving in space.