Integration of Ballet & Modern Dance

Through the lens of dance and everything it has been communicating to me over the last year and a half my central concept has become “Keeping Dance Alive.” As a former competitive dancer, I deeply cherish the art form and the power it gives individuals to express themselves. For me, dance has always been a way to embody style, character, and identity through movement.

For this project, I want to draw on the inspiration behind the movie Dirty Dancing, directed by Emile Ardolino and released in August 1987. Growing up, this film influenced so many aspects of my life: my dance training, the discipline behind performance, and the emotional journey that leads up to stepping onstage. My goal is to create a project that not only reflects my personal connection to dance, but also brings the 80s dance aesthetic to life through a modern lens specifically incorporating contemporary dance elements like en pointe. I want to capture the intimate, often unseen moments before a performance begins. Those moments carry so much emotional weight: frustration, exhaustion, ambition, and ultimately, contentment.

I’m also drawing inspiration from 80s–90s artists like Donna Summer, especially her song “Last Dance.” Together, these influences help shape the overarching theme of “Keeping Dance Alive.” By shooting in the studio, using a strobe, and applying the techniques we covered this semester, I aim to highlight the beauty of dance alongside 80s-inspired fashion, style, and visual culture. This includes thoughtful choices in models, props, and creative direction that help evoke the energy and nostalgia of the era. 

Ultimately, I hope this project not only honors the legacy of dance but also invites viewers to feel its emotional power, reminding them of why movement continues to resonate across generations. My next step is to find a dancer—or dancers—who can help bring this vision fully to life.