The L.A. Dance Project performed an interpretive dance piece based on the 1982 documentary Koyaanisqatsi on June 6 at the Hollyhock House in Barnsdall Art Park. The performance is part of the “City of Dance” series, a month-long initiative featuring free public works across Los Angeles, according to the L.A. Dance Project.
What is the significance of the performance?
The dance piece draws its title and thematic focus from the Hopi word “koyaanisqatsi,” which translates to “life out of balance.” By utilizing the original score by Philip Glass, the choreography reflects on the impact of technology and modern industry on the natural world, as stated by L.A. Dance Project co-founder Benjamin Millepied. The performance at the Hollyhock House, an architectural site designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, served as a backdrop intended to represent a meeting of organic and synthetic environments.
Did You Know? The term “koyaanisqatsi” serves as the title for Godfrey Reggio’s 1982 non-narrative documentary, which features footage of natural phenomena like clouds and ocean waves juxtaposed against industrial activities such as nuclear weapons testing and oil drilling.
How did the production adapt to the outdoor environment?
The dancers navigated the challenges of performing in an unsighted, outdoor space with only an hour of preparation time on-site, according to Whitney Graham, Hollyhock House Education and Programs Manager. While the transition from stage to grass led to minor technical adjustments in movement, the performance integrated the natural surroundings, including ambient birdsong and wind. The choreography featured a cycle of conflict and rebirth, with performers moving through sequences that transitioned from militant, aggressive gestures to organic, germinating movements.
Expert Insight: The integration of public, architectural landmarks like the Hollyhock House into performance art transforms the site into an active participant. By placing contemporary choreography in spaces designed by figures like Frank Lloyd Wright, the L.A. Dance Project creates a dialogue between human-made history and the environmental themes central to the Koyaanisqatsi score.
What happens next for the City of Dance series?
The City of Dance project is scheduled to continue performances throughout the remainder of June at several locations across the region. Upcoming venues include Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara, Hollywood Forever, Gloria Molina Grand Park at the Music Center, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). These performances are presented by the L.A. Dance Project and the Paris Dance Project, with choreography contributions from Benjamin Millepied, Dimitri Chamblas, Madeline Hollander, Jamar Roberts, and Pam Tanowitz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who spearheaded the City of Dance series?
The series was spearheaded by L.A. Dance Project co-founder Benjamin Millepied.
What was the inspiration for the choreography?
The choreography draws inspiration from Godfrey Reggio’s 1982 film Koyaanisqatsi and its themes regarding a world out of balance.
Are these performances open to the public?
Yes, the City of Dance series consists of free public performances at various iconic locations in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.
How might the experience of viewing dance in an open, public space change your perception of its political themes?
