Screendance from Film to Festival - by Cara Hagan (Paperback)

About the Book

"Dance and film have shared a dynamic relationship since the advent of cinema-a natural interplay that developed into the genre known as screendance. During Hollywood's Golden Age, screendance film festivals emerged, celebrating the work of dancers like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and Shirley Temple in The Little Colonel (1935), the Nicholas Brothers in Stormy Weather (1943), Cyd Charisse and Gene Kelley in Singin' in the Rain (1952), Rita Moreno in West Side Story (1961), and many more. Charting the history of the screendance festival, this book examines important shifts in practice and theory, distinct festival eras and communities, and the process of selecting and programming works.-Provided by publisher"--

Book Synopsis

Dance and film have shared a dynamic relationship since the advent of cinema--a natural interplay that developed into the genre known as screendance. Charting the history of screendance festivals, this book examines important shifts in practice and theory, distinct festival eras and communities, and the process of selecting and programming works.

Review Quotes

"Provides an insightful exploration of screendance, encompassing personal reflections, the curatorial process, and a history of this art form. Readers will benefit from Hagan's research and analysis, which is presented through an introduction followed by twelve chapters that reveal the origins and significance of screendance...Ultimately, Hagan illuminates the constant exploration and experimentation of artists who have pushed, and continue to push, the boundaries of this hybrid medium...By sharing personal anecdotes, Hagan establishes a sense of relatability, and her writing is engaging and accessible...an invaluable resource for scholars, practitioners, and anyone interested in the intersection of dance and film."-Dance Chronicle

"The author's broad experience as both a maker and curator informs this important examination of the history and future of screendance festivals."-Rebecca Salzer, director of the Dancing Digital Project, and associate professor of Dance at the University of Alabama

About the Author

Cara Hagan is an interdisciplinary artist and scholar whose work is informed by movement, digital space, words, contemplative practice, and community. She is the director and curator for ADF's Movies by Movers, an annual, international screendance festival under the auspices of the American Dance Festival. Her scholarly works can be found in the International Journal of Screendance, The Journal of Dance Education and Dance Magazine.