Social Dis’Dance
Conceptualised, produced & directed – Johnny Carr
Camera Op – Jonny Walton
Assistant – Archie Carr
Music – Royston Langdon
Styling – Eden Kasia
Edit – Amy Phillips
GFX – Rick Smith
Johnny Carr – Social Dis’dance – Personal Statement.
During lockdown I was in desperate need to create.
I wanted to demonstrate how art and music creates a response in people. Using dancers to express their individual interpretation of the art whilst being constantly challenged by the social distancing implications the galleries have to adhere to.
Thus the title of Social Dis’dance came to mind.
I contacted the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to see if it would be possible to use their space and feature the incredible work of Joana Vasconcelos.
Permission granted.
My narrative was simple but relative to all. Inspired by music, dance, art and film I knew this was a chance to fuse all of my creative passions and celebrate the freedom they instil.
The film I’m making and notably the incredibly talented dancers I’m working with will express how art and music can help unify people and free their creativity under any circumstances.
The restrictions and routine, versus art and music allow a beautiful story to unfold.
The film opens with mask clad dancers in line outside the gallery hand sanitising. As they enter the gallery the effect of the art becomes apparent.
Initially their response is subtle, but noticeably freeing from the constraints of their lives before entering the gallery. The fluidity of movement is crudely interrupted as they approach the one-metre barrier that separates them, initialising the first moment of repellence.
The repellence, albeit an invisible force is nonetheless powerful and signifies a reflection of the reality and constraints of life as it is for all. A catalyst for movement it momenterily jolts the dancers out of their infused state of interaction. It acts as the conveyor for the performers moving them through the space until they exit the gallery and run towards the final piece of art. A seven-metre high ring made from car rims topped with a crystal of whiskey glasses sits outside, with views beyond of the stunning landscape.
Fulfilled, unified, and free, they roll out of shot and leave us with views of nature leaving behind the material wants and needs of western society and ultimately the constraints of COVID.
Incredible grateful to my good friend and ace musician Royston Langdon, who has created the accompaniment. And overwhelmed by the generosity and talent of the amazing dancers who come from contemporary & ballet backgrounds nationwide. Also a huge thank you to Eden Keshia who will be styling the dancers. And obviously not forgetting the generosity of YSP and Joana Vasconcelos.
Thanks to the dancers – Tammy Tsang, James platts, Ludmila gilles, Emma Jones, Kezia Coulson, Jessica Nixon, Mirabel Huang-Smith & Amaris Gillies.