Recurrencias

Abstract

"Recurrences" is a partner dance piece set to the rhythm of the pasillo de salón, drawing upon research on the dances performed, as well as the customs and traditions of Santa Fe de Bogotá in the late 19th century. This research-creation process highlighted how memory, technique, and stage dramaturgy intertwine in the construction of a dance work, emphasizing the impact of training and preparation on the technical and aesthetic development of the body. The study seeks to answer the question: What is the relevance of implementing technical elements of classical dance in the creation process of a dance piece based on the Santafereño pasillo de salón? The chosen methodology was a creative laboratory in which two performers explored the relationship between classical and folk dance techniques and examined how training shapes the body's plasticity. This process resulted in a choreographed stage performance based on creative exploration and the findings from the research. One of the most significant discoveries was the way in which each performer's technical background influenced the construction of their character. It was observed that a body trained in classical ballet constantly seeks elevation and lightness, while a body trained in folk dance technique exhibits a closer connection to the ground. An additional factor that added complexity to the process was the pregnancy of the dancer-performer, which introduced new bodily and ideological tensions. A pregnant body requires a different approach to weight management and presents certain limitations in movement execution. The piece was presented to the public in a single performance in October 2024, made possible through self-management and community-based stage production. Various contributors shared their expertise, spaces, and technical and aesthetic resources, enriching the artistic processes within Bogotá’s performing arts community.