The Impact of Modern Dance – New York New York

Bill T. Jones’ “Still/Here” gives an in-depth perspective of the personal turmoil experienced by those dealing with illnesses such as AIDS, breast cancer, and other life-threatening diseases. The dance performance is able to do so by directing the audience’s attention away from the macro-view of illness and disease, which is often procedurally covered by medical professionals and research facilities. “Still/Here” instead focuses on the sick individual’s struggle to “fight the disease.”

Arlene Croce, author of “Discussing the Undiscussable” is skeptical of the show and many share this critical view of the nature of this performance. Placing the deep rooted struggle of suffering from an illness into a dance can be seen as somewhat devaluing the person’s struggle. On the other hand, it can be viewed as an outlet to express the inner turmoil that such patients experience. It is ultimately up to the viewer to decide their stance on the theme of the performance.

Croce also highlights that the performance incorporates the element of “victim art,” which people have recently become fascinated with. This extends far beyond the scope of the dance world. Several viral Youtube videos now also focus on this idea of victim art through the social experiments that they post. For example, Fouseytube’s video The Bullying Experiment, aims to see how people react when they witness someone being victimized through bullying.

On the other hand, Zita Allen’s piece, “The Revolution Will Be Danced” concentrates on the historical significance of the dance, particularly the racial and social context. According to Allen, the piece opens with “10 dancers—black, white, Hispanic, Asian, male and female, tall, short, thin, and portly.” The diversity of dancers is clearly visible in the video excerpt of “Still/Here” as well. By presenting such a diverse group of dancers in a cohesive piece, the performance is able to break down the formerly rigid social division and archetypes of the dance community. And although this is not the primary focus of the dance, it remains noteworthy.

Ann Privorotskiy says:

November 4, 2014 at 10:40 pm

I think the diversity factor in this production seems to be overlooked because people tend to solely notice that the dance addresses terminal illness. The diversity this production exhibits is crucial I think, because it shows that regardless of one’s sex, race, body shape, or religion, everyone is just as susceptible to terminal illness. I also think it’s natural for people to be naturally drawn to victim art because it opens up a whole new perspective that most people don’t think about. Victim art, I would hope, would show average people the beauty of their “average” lives. I would hope that this performance shames those people who are always saying that they’re having a bad day, because if these people with terminally ill diseases are willing to fight and move forward, there’s no reason that missing a bus should be something to complain about.

anandpoonai says:

November 5, 2014 at 12:31 am

I really like your opening statement, “Bill T. Jones’ “Still/Here” gives an in-depth perspective of the personal turmoil experienced by those dealing with illnesses such as AIDS, breast cancer, and other life-threatening diseases.” It was very straightforward and got straight to the point about what its about. I completely agree with you about the contrasting ideas in both articles. Personally, I believe that the video made a lot of sense, especially after reading the two articles. Its really sad that we live in a time where such horrible diseases take the lives of so many people, so I think that Bill T. Jones does a fantastic job in bringing awareness to these hardships.

j96lee says:

November 5, 2014 at 11:13 am

I enjoyed how you incorporated the diversity aspect of Still/Here into your blog. I thought that by including all these different races, genders, and body types, Bill T. Jones emphasizes that disease spreads everywhere and can harm anyone. It is scary and people live to avoid disease and suffering, but I think that more people should acknowledge victims and disease, to help and offer support. The video you embedded was shocking. Most people are afraid to interfere and this absolutely relates with Still/Here.