The Impetus

Abstract

The Impetus traces a deeply personal and transformative journey from a classroom dance educator to a passionate screendance artist and festival director. What began as a desire to preserve the fleeting beauty of student performances evolved into a vibrant, interdisciplinary practice blending dance, film, visual art, and community engagement. Set against the backdrop of New Jersey’s parks and public spaces, the narrative follows the author's early experimentation with smartphone videography, her evolution through graduate studies, and the pivotal role of mentorship and collaboration in developing her artistic voice.

Through a blend of intuitive practice and formal education, the author examines the technical and emotional aspects of capturing movement on camera. The essay reflects on projects influenced by spontaneity, natural landscapes, and social issues—including addiction and climate change—and culminates in the establishment of the mignolo international screendance festival. Throughout the piece, a compelling metaphor is woven in: the carousel—symbolizing structure, unpredictability, and the cyclical nature of creation.

Ultimately, The Impetus reveals how screendance became a vessel for preserving ephemeral moments, fostering artistic community, and amplifying diverse stories through the convergence of motion and media. It celebrates the resilience of both students and educators, the magic of collaboration, and the enduring power of dance as it evolves beyond the stage and into the cinematic realm.

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