"Man Down"...Parris Goebel

To follow an artistic impulse and reject the reasons why you ought not pursue it, is a courageous step for many people. However, as with many things in life, the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Although I've never met Parris in person, I feel that she is the type of individual who has a very strong sense of self-direction. And when an artistic impulse reacts with a personality like Parris...sparks fly.


MUSICALITY: If you have ever spent time in the kitchen, you know that the key to a great recipe is the interplay between flavors and spices. Food that is ALL hot or ALL sweet, is too overpowering and ends up disgusting. Instead, we love a little bit of salty with our sweet, or bitter with the zest. In a similar way, choreography needs to have a touch of interplay to give it flavor. Musicians call it dynamic...dancers call it sharp and smooth. Depending on the particular line, Parris will find hot, staccato stabs when the music suggests it (0:54-0:56) or melt into a juicy dance hall groove just to spice things up (0:43-0:53). By mixing things up, she is able to keep the movement interesting, yet so deep within the musical pocket that it seems as though they were "meant for each other."

DANCER SYNC: This is not the first time(nor the last) where I have featured a piece where the choreographer and dancer were the same individual. Recently, I have been talking to my dancers about finding movement choices that you can "wear" like a perfectly tailored pair of jeans, not too tight, not too loose...just right. One of the great things about watching a choreographer/dancer mashup, is that they almost ALWAYS make choices that flatter their technique, bodies and style. Every dancer can learn a valuable take-away message from this...find movement that is right for you, and OWN it.

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT: All the elements of this video contribute to the final product. I love the raindrops and the breaths of warm air in the cool night breeze. The lighting is ideal for such a noir type atmosphere and the facial close ups give you a brilliant sense of what she is about to express. I love when choreographers give their art a context and framework. To me this shows a more mature aesthetic in terms of message and signature.

KUDOS to Parris for allowing us to peek into this private moment and vicariously share in her artistic impulse!