Justine Sheedy-Kramer Presented at CORPS de Ballet International Conference
Justine presenting at CORPS de Ballet International. Photo courtesy of Chelsea Weidmann.
Justine Sheedy-Kramer presented her research, “Finding Balance: Connecting Ballet and Music Through Collaborative Storytelling” as part of the 28th Annual Conference of CORPS de Ballet International. The presentation drew from historical perspectives and reflected on recent interdisciplinary projects at the University of Utah and Utah State University.
Abstract
Storytelling in ballet relies not only on plot and purpose, but also on musical support for the choreography. Without music, the storytelling component of theatrical ballet shifts into the realm of movement-based drama. As the spectrum of music creation and accessibility becomes wider, what role does music play in ballet storytelling in the 21st century? Utilizing both historical cases and contemporary field work, this research will analyze the historical, political, social, and artistic implications of storytelling within collaborations between ballet and music.
There is a delicate balance between utilizing both ballet and music in collaborative projects—venue, personnel, audience, etc. can all be opportunities, but also limiting factors. Do these broader elements help or hinder the collaborative process? Adding the element of storytelling in these projects creates another layer of creativity, but also potential challenges.
The conventional interactions of music and ballet have predictably included two constructs: music that is created for a ballet concept, or ballet that is created from musical accompaniment. In some cases, there is a programmatic or narrative element to either of these processes. But what about the interaction of collaborators when programmatic music is presented with ballet as the accompanying feature, especially with live music? Which is the primary focus: music, movement, or an equal fusion of these critical elements? In examining the role of music in ballet, I seek to explore how storytelling impacts this relationship and also to strategize a framework for effectively blending these components.