The use of satiric literature as a basis for choreographic themes illustrated in an original dance production

It was the purpose of this study to explore the inherent possibilities in the use of literary material as a source of choreography and to examine one particular kind of literature for its choreographic potential. The present investigator chose the specific area of satire in literature for this investigation. The findings of this investigation were projected into an extended dance production choreographed, designed, staged and presented in concert by the present investigator. This culminating production was based upon a satirical literary work entitled The Last Flower. Methods: The present investigator read widely in sources pertaining to the common elements of art and the relative autonomy and independence that exists among various art media. The kindship among the arts and their unique differences are frequently under consideration when a blending of the arts is attempted. The investigator undertook an examination of the controversy surrounding the mixing of various art media in the creative process. This seemed relevant to the use of literature as a source for choreography. This led the investigator to examine the question of the appropriateness of certain literary subject matter for dance production. The specific type of literature selected for the present study was satire. The use of literary satire as a basis for choreographic work led to an exploration of the nature of satire and its potential for dance. The investigator proceeded to organize and summarize his findings into the prescribed thesis form and also included the following pertinent information concerning the presentation of the dance production: (1) creating the script (2) selecting personnel (3) choreographing the dance (4) selecting the music (5) selecting the costumes (6) staging and lighting the dance work. The present study is concerned with the use of literary material as a source of choreography. The written substantiation presented was limited to the following areas: (1) mixing of various art media (2) the appropriateness of certain literary subject matter for dance production (3) the nature of satire and its potential for dance. The investigation was evidence in an extended dance production choreographed by the present investigator. The written description of the dance production was limited to the following points: (1) Creating the script (2) selecting personnel (3) choreographing the dance (4) selecting the music (5) selecting the costumes (6) staging and lighting the dance work. The culminating project of the present study was a dance production of a creative nature. Experimentation in art should be directed toward achieving an end product, which is fresh, different, and unique. Materials used should be selected and manipulated with taste and discrimination. The investigator believes that the point of view evidence in the selection of materials externalized in the dance, “The Last Flower”, was one which reflected his own ideas, values, and beliefs. Another artist might have, with validity, taken an entirely different approach. This is the nature of art.