Palabola: A Dance Company Defying Limitations
Summary
In this article, we explore Palabola, a dance company that has been creating innovative performances since 1971. Palabola is known for their shadow performances and their ability to create illusions with their bodies. We discuss the importance of teamwork, attention to detail, and the benefits of limitations in promoting creativity and problem-solving.
Table of Contents
- The Birth of Palabola
- Shadow Performances: Creating Illusions with the Body
- Teamwork and Attention to Detail in Performances
- The Benefits of Limitations
- Collaboration with the Audience
- Crossword Puzzles: A Challenge for the Mind
The Birth of Palabola
Palabola is a dance company that was started in 1971 by four men who had no dance training. Despite this, they were able to create innovative performances by making things with their bodies. Over the years, Palabola has expanded their repertoire to include theatrical productions and shadow work.
Shadow Performances: Creating Illusions with the Body
Palabola is known for their shadow performances, where they create the illusion that the dancers’ bodies are overlapping with each other. The performers use simple rules, such as moving closer to the light source to make the image bigger, and stretchy clothes to create illusions. The composite image is created after the corona, where the dancers spray outward before coming together. There is also a whole other kind of choreography that happens on the other side of the screen.
Teamwork and Attention to Detail in Performances
As the artistic directors, Renee Jaworski and Matt Ken try to bring the group together around a shared vision. The performers’ job is to be interested in everything and generate ideas, while the directors have to reign them in and work on the details. The speaker discusses the importance of teamwork and attention to detail in performances, emphasizing the need for agility and the willingness to fail in order to achieve success.
The Benefits of Limitations
The speaker also discusses the benefits of limitations in promoting creativity and problem-solving. The information needed to create a successful performance may not always be readily apparent and can come from unexpected sources. By setting limitations, Palabola is forced to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions.
Collaboration with the Audience
The audience is also seen as an important collaborator in creating a successful performance. Palabola aims to create a dialogue with their audience and involve them in the creative process. The speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to feedback and being open to new ideas.
Crossword Puzzles: A Challenge for the Mind
The speaker then transitions to discussing the process of creating crossword puzzles and the satisfaction of solving them. Puzzles are seen as a way to challenge the mind and promote a feeling of intelligence when solved. The speaker encourages readers to try solving a crossword puzzle and experience the feeling of accomplishment that comes with it.
Conclusion
Palabola is a dance company that has defied limitations and created innovative performances for over 50 years. Through their teamwork, attention to detail, and willingness to embrace limitations, Palabola has been able to create performances that captivate and inspire their audience.
