AESTHETICS OF CONTEMPORARY DANCE IN THE MOVIE ‘HONEY RISE UP AND

DANCE’

A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED TO THE PEPARTMENT OF THE PERFORMING

ARTS, FACULTY OF ARTS, AND UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF

THE REQUIREMENT OF THE AWARD OF BACHELOR OF ARTS (B.A) IN PERFORMING

ARTS.

AKPOVESO ESEOGHENE STEPHANIE

16/15CF044

JULY, 2019
 ATTESTATION

I, Akpoveso Eseoghene Stephanie attest to the fact that this research work is original to me

and I did not copy or plagiarized the research work of anyone, living or dead.

........................................... ................................................

Signature Date
 CERTIFICATION

This project work has been read, approved, and certified, as meeting part of the requirement

for PFA (research methodology), in the department of the performing arts, faculty of arts, university

of Ilorin.

................................................ ............................................

Mr. Kehinde O. Olalusi Date

Project Supervisor

................................................ .............................................

Dr. Tayo S. Arinde Date

Project Coordinator

................................................ .............................................

Prof. Solomon O. Ikibe Date

Head of Department
 DEDICATION

This project work I dedicated to Jehovah God Almighty the author and finisher of my faith, who has

kept me this far and protected my family and I, my mother who has been my back bone and support

throughout my journey, all of my wonderful friends.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My utmost appreciation goes to God Almighty, the author and finisher of my faith.

My sincere appreciation also goes to my mother who has been my backbone and support, to

my wonderful supervisor, Mr Kehinde Olalusi, for his great support during the course of this project,

hoping God will reward him in all ramnifications.

Furthermore, I express my profound gratitude to the lecturers of the department of the

Performing Arts. From the dean of the Faculty of Arts, Prof. Abdulrasheed A. Adeoye to the Head of

Department, Prof. Solomon Ikibe to Prof. Ayo Akinwale , Dr. Jeleel Ojuade, Dr. Segun Oyewo, Dr.

(Mrs) S.O.O Shuaib, Mr. Adeshina Adegbite, Dr. T.S Arinde, Dr. Taiye Adeola, Mr. Felix akinsipe,

Mr. Abdulmaleek Amali, Mr. Taiwo Olalusi and Mr. Kazeem Rufai.

It is also fair that from the innermost part of my heart, I appreciate my good friends, Johnson

Celestina, Oyebode Jesutofunmi, Smith Zarinat, Afolayan Ifedayo, Sekoni Boluwatife, Okpetu

Precious and Etinosa Uyighosa , who have been really helpful in this journey.

Above all, I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who is someone, we all need each

other.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Attestation ii

Certification iii

Dedication iv

Acknowledgement v

Abstract vi

Table of Contents vii

Chapter One: General introduction.

1.1 Background of the study

1.2 Purpose of study

1.3 Scope of study

1.4 Significance of study

1.5 Research methodology

1.6 Limitation of study

1.7 Operational definition of terms and concept

Chapter Two: Literature Review

2.1 Definition of contemporary dances

2.2 History of contemporary dances

2.3 Concepts of contemporary dances

2.4 Definition and concept of aesthetics

Chapter Three: Analysis of the contemporary dances in the movie

3.1 Synopsis

3.2 Styles of dances in Honey

3.3 Form of music choreographed to

3.4 Choreographic outlook of dances in Honey

Chapter Four: Aesthetics of dances in the movie

4.1 Scene by Scene analysis of dances in Honey

4.2 Theatrical elements that entrances the dances in Honey

4.3 A study of dance aesthetics in honey

Chapter Five: Conclusion

5.1 Summary

5.2 Conclusion

5.3 Findings

5.4 Recommendation

References
 ABSTRACT

Movies, over time, have grown to be an integral part of the 21st century. The advent of movies

has allowed the theatre reach a larger audience. This makes it easy for people to see a replay of real

life events in the comfort of their homes. In the sart of movie making, the concept of ‘Total Theatre’

will also be observed and dance is one key aspect when it comes to the communicative and

expressive art of the theatre. Therefore, this research examines the aesthetical expressiveness and key

function of dance in movies reviewing a case study of the movie ‘Honey Rise Up and Dance’.

Research methods employed in research are ‘analytical and descriptive’ methods of research.

The analytical method allows the researcher to collect access and scrutinize different materials

especially online journals and internet links, the movie itself being studied and other related articles.

Descriptive method is adopted for the purpose of explanation of theories and materials and also to

give a proper report of the movie.

Through the process of this research, the researcher came to find the economical advantages

or disadvantages of shooting the movie and also an analysis of the types and genres of dances in the

movie in relation to the message they pass and the themes of the scenes or the movie in general and

finally the movie brings to knowledge a few contemporary dance crews and their choreographer

names and dance styles most especially.

The study concludes on an identification of the aesthetics of dance in the case study and what

purposes they serve in the movie. It also brings to knowledge, possible ideas for choreographing a

better dance production or movie in coming years.

This research is recommended for dance scholars and students who wish to learn further about

the aesthetics of dance and the movie being observed as a case study.
 CHAPTER ONE

General Introduction.

1.1 Background of the Study.

Honey the movie is a product of aesthetics and beautiful choreographies which mostly consist

of contemporary dances that gives the aesthetic to the dances. Aesthetics is commonly defined as the

study of beauty, and this was a very prominent in the choreographers work in creatively putting

together the choreographies to match u with every action the movie “honey rise up and dance”.

Some philosophers conceive of aesthetics as applying solely to the arts or to artistic experience.

However, most aesthetic philosophers construe the discipline as applying more broadly to beauty and

ugliness in general.

The use of aesthetics by the choreographer “Laurien Gibson” is different from the use of

aesthetic by other choreographers in various dance movies in Hollywood, for instance the use of

contemporary dances in the other honey movies by their different choreographers differs from

Laurien Gibson’s ideology, on her own choreography, she drew her dances from different street

dances and other genres of dance from across the world. Laurien Gibson is a Canadian

choreographer, director, television personality, singer, actress and dancer she has choreographed

dance numbers for musical artist such as Micheal Jackson, Alicia keys. She has also choreographed

on dance reality series such as ; so you think you can dance, making the band and so on. She has been

an active choreographer since 1987 The movie was written by a Canadian born Nigerian director

Robert Adetuyi. A graduate of York University where he studied communication and sociology, he

moved to Hollywood in1992. His screenwriting credit includes Storm the Yard which is also a dance

movie, Code Name: The Cleaner and Turn it Up. He also directed Turn it Up. The movie was
directed by Bille Woodruff a music video and film director, noted for directing many videos for a

good number and R&B and hip-hop artist since the mid 1990’s. Woodruff made his film debut

directing the first part of the honey movie franchise starring Jesicca Alba and as directed a good

number of movies ever since including Bring it on which is also a dance movie and the complete

honey franchise.

1.2 Purpose of Study

The core objective of this research work is to outline the importance of aesthetics in a dance

work and the movie honey rise up and dance is used as a case study here. The movie shows

dance interpreted in various ways with the use of aesthetics, it also interpreted unsaid words and

emotions like romance, anger, sorrow, happiness, passion and so on. It goes on to interpret

actions in some of the scenes in the movie.

1.3 Scope of Study

This research work examines the role of aesthetics in dance performances, and the choreographers

intention and style. It also focuses on how the aesthetics are used to beautify the dance steps and

make it more pleasing to watch.

1.4 Significance of Study

The significance of this study points out the importance of aesthetics in contemporary

dances in this way it introduces a clear and valid picture to the wider world of people who knows

little or nothing a about the American contemporary dances.

1.5 Research Methodology

Research is a scientific inquiry aimed at learning new facts, testing ideas e.t.c .it is the

systematic collection analysis and interpretation of data to generate new knowledge and answer a

certain question or solve a problem Yigzaw (2006, p.56 ).

 The researchers method employed in this study are analytical method and descriptive

method, analytical method will be used to study the content of the work by analyzing it. The

descriptive method will center on describing the dances and choreographies that was used in the

movie “honey”

This study employs the descriptive and participant observation methods in appraising

and analyzing the data collected from both primary and secondary sources of information. I

downloaded the movie honey rise up and dance from the website and critically analyzed it. The

primary materials used include; watching the movie and analyzing and the secondary Sources

comprise of the article, mostly online articles and journals and also the use of some dance text book

to get guidelines on explanation on some terms. Also, the participant Observation method allows the

researcher to participate in the performance while the deductive method enables the researcher to

analyze the movie from angle of dance.

1.6 Limitations of Study

The researcher encountered some kinds of limitations in getting materials to backup points

in the course of writing this project, but basic explanation was done by the researcher been able to

make do with the limited materials to buttress these points. Materials such as PDF, journals the

internet, write-ups, and other works from previous researchers.

1.7 Operational Definition of Terms And Concepts

Defining terms and concept is important so has to break down some terminologies and to

allow easy assimilation and understanding by the readers.

Aesthetics: According to Macmillan dictionary aesthetics refer to the appearance of something,

particularly in relation to its beauty. It is a term that predominantly refers to visual elements and can
also be used as a noun to describe criteria by which an artistic movement or artist is defined, such as

postmodern aesthetics.

Aesthetic in dance therefore is the philosophical investigation of the nature of dance, of our

interest in it, especially as an art form, and of the variety of aesthetic judgments we make about it, it

is one of the basic motives of dance, the expression and communication of emotion. Aesthetics is

commonly defined as the study of beauty, and this was a very prominent in the choreographers work

in creatively putting together the choreographies to match u with every action the movie “honey rise

up and dance”. Some philosophers conceive of aesthetics as applying solely to the arts or to artistic

experience. However, most aesthetic philosophers construe the discipline as applying more broadly to

beauty and ugliness in general.

Contemporary Dance: contemporary dance is a popular form of dance which developed during the

middle portion of the twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the dominating

performance genres for formally trained dancers throughout the world, with particularly strong

popularity in the U.S and Europe. It is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several

dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strives to

connect the mind and body through fluid dance movements.

Movies: Movies, also known as films, are a type of visual communication which used moving

pictures and sound to tell stories or teach people something. People in every part of the world watch

movies as a type of entertainment, a way to have fun and relax the mind.
 CHAPTER TWO

Literature Review

2.1 Definition of Contemporary Dance

Contemporary dance is a genre of dance performance that develop during the mid20 th century,

and has since grown to become one of the dominant genre for formally trained dancers throughout the

world with particularly strong popularity in the us and Europe, although originally informed by and

borrowing from classical, modern and jazz style, it has since come to in cooperate element from

many styles of dance.

Treva (1950 p. 13) observes that contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that

combines element of several dance genres including modern, jazz, lyrical, and classical ballet. The

term “contemporary” strives to connect the mind and the body through fluid dance movements. It

describes a genre that develops during the mid-20th century and is still very popular today.

However contemporary dance stresses versatility and improvisation unlike the strict, structural

nature of ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floor work using gravity to put down to the floor.

This dance genre is often done in bare feet and it can be performed to many different style of music.

Franham (2017 p. 117) emphasize that.

Contemporary dance therefore do not use fixed moves and instead try to develop totally new

forms and dynamic, such as quick oppositional moves, shifting alignments expression of raw

emotions, systematic rhythm, dancing moves performed in no standing positions for example, lying

on the floor and in general trying to find the absolute limit of our human form and physique .
2.2 History Of Contemporary Dance.

The history of contemporary dance can be traced around the 1980s, the word “contemporary

dance” refers to the movement of new dancers who did not want to follow strict classical ballet and

lyrical dance forms but instead to explore the area of revolutionary. Unconventional movements that

were gathered from all dance styles of the world, contemporary dance therefore do not use fixed

moves and instead try to develop totally new forms and dynamic such has quick oppositional moves.

The origin of this popular dance movement can be traced to several influential dance masters

such as Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham and Merce Cunninghen. They all wanted to show to the

world that contemporary dancers should embrace freedom, ignore old dance conventions and explore

the limits of the human body and visual expression of feelings. Also, one of the precursors to the

contemporary dance can be found millennia’s old techniques of the Zen Buddhisn an Indian health

yoga which incorporate various dancing philosophies that closely follow the principle of

contemporary dance.

Martha Graham (1894-1991) during her seven decade long career, her modern dance and

choreographies gathered the fame that is today compared to the life works of legendary art geniuses

such Picasso, Stravinski and frank Lloyd Wright.

Merce Cunningham refined the work that has colleague Martha Graham formed, and

expanded with this his own improvements, choreographies and avant-garde dance techniques. During

his long career he was regarded as one of the greater creative forces in American dances professional,

educative dozens of worldwide famous dancers thousands dancers who preserved his style until

today.

Lester Horton (1906-1953), a very influential contemporary dance visionary, who trained

many famous modern dancers and managed to incorporate the styles of Native American dance and

modern jazz into his dance techniques.

 Aedan (1991 p. 2) observed that contemporary dance is a popular form of dance which

developed during the middle portion of the twenties century and has since grown to become one of

the world with particularly strong popularity in the United States and Western Europe. Although

originally informed by and borrowing from classical, modern, jazz styles, however it has since come

to incorporate elements from many styles of dance.

Contemporary dance origins extend the world, with early development in both Europe and

North America, in the first 60years of the 20th century. The dance styles were crafted by various

masters of the craft. Around 1980s the world contemporary dance referred to the movement of new

dancers who did not want to follow strict classical ballet and lyrical dances forms but instead wanted

to explore the area of revolutionary unconventional movements that were gathered from all dance

styles of the world. The people that created the genre “contemporary” wanted to (again) show to the

world that contemporary dances should embrace freedom, ignore old dance conventions and explore

the limit of the human body and visual expression.

Breaking conventional style of dance, contemporary focuses on the freedom of movement.

When performing, dancers focus on connecting their mind and body through fluid dance moves. This

allows dancers to explore emotions, and use their natural energy to portray personal expression in

their dance techniques.

Katherine (1984 p.54) states that contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that

combines elements of several dances. Contemporary was originated and was arising from the U.S and

Europe. Merce Cunningham is the first one to develop an attitude towards contemporary and establish

it. This started during the 1878s to the 1927s. This dance style focuses on floor work, using gravity to

pull them down to the floor. Contemporary dance is often barefoot which makes the dancer’s leg

stronger. Contemporary dance can be performed to many different types of music such as jazz and

ballet music. There is a range of different to an entire genre of dance. It includes a bit of ballet, jazz,
lyrical and modern dance. A common thing about it is the strong leg work similar to ballet, lyrical

dances is the style that resembles ballet. It is incorporate the technical element of classical ballet with

freedom, expressiveness and airier aspect of jazz, as well as contemporary and modern dance. This

style is based on choreography and self-interpretation of the music, contemporary dance mainly stress

on improvising. During contemporary dance rehearsals, students would wears a leotard with spandex

shorts and a tank top of t-shirt over d leotard. Students often dance barefoot, but may also opt for jazz

shoes, ballet shoes or foot paws if they prefer.

Contemporary stresses versatility and improvisation, unlike the strict, structured nature of

ballet. Contemporary dancers focus on floor work, using gravity to pull them down to the floor. The

way contemporary can be performed too many different styles of music is so amazing to

2.3 Concept of Contemporary Dance

Contemporary dance is a popular form of dance which developed during the middle portion of

the twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the dominating performance genres for

formally trained dancers throughout the world, with particularly strong popularity in the U.S and

Europe.

Contemporary dance is a style of expressive dance that combines elements of several dance

genres including modern, jazz, lyrical and classical ballet. Contemporary dancers strive to connect the

mind and the body through fluid dance movements. When viewing contemporary dance as a genre,

we picture a specific style, but this is not the same for every individual, with so many prominent

historic figures, technique and such freedom with artistic license, pserharps contemporary dance

contemporary dance is something so multi-faceted and varied that it doesn’t fit in one definition.

Contemporary dance can also be said to be “creative freedom”, pushing boundaries, gravity,

breathtaking imagery, intricate gestures, complex, simple, strength, art, movement v stillness, heart

etc.
 C. Taylor 2004 defines contemporary dance has an example of a partnered / non partnered

dance. In Contemporary dance is the name for a modern concert dance genre. It is not a specific

dance technique but a collection of methods developed from modern and post-modern dance and can

take on many forms including dance fusion, emergent dance and revisionism.

2.4 Definition and Concept of Aesthetics

Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and appreciation of art,

beauty and good taste. It has also been defines as “critical reflection on art, culture and nature”. The

word “aesthetics” from the Greek “aisthetikos”, meaning “of sense perception”. Along with ethics,

aesthetics is part of axiology (the study of values and value judgments). In general terms, it examines

what makes something beautiful, sublime, disgusting, fun, cute, silly, entertaining, pretentious,

discordant, harmonious, boring, humorous or tragic.

The Ancient Greek philosophers initially felt that aesthetically appealing objects were

beautiful in and of themselves. Plato felt that beautiful objects incorporated proportion, harmony and

unity among their parts. Aristotle found that the universal elements of beauty were order, symmetry

and definiteness.

The concept of the aesthetic descends from the concept of taste. Why the concept of taste

commanded so much philosophical attention during the 18th century is a complicated matter, but this

much is clear.

Much of the history of more recent thinking about the concept of the aesthetic can be seen as

the history of the development of the immediacy and disinterest theses.

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy work that deals with the nature of art, beauty and taste

and with creation or appreciation of beauty. More broadly, scholars in the field define aesthetics as

“critical reflection on art, culture and nature” in modern English, the term aesthetic can also refer to a

set of principles underlying the works of a particular art movement or theory: one speaks, for
 example, of the cubist aesthetic.

Chapter Three

Analysis of Contemporary Dances in the Movie “Honey”

3.1 Synopsis of the Movie.

The movie Honey 4 (rise up and dance) is the fourth movie in the movie franchise of the

Honey movies and it the downward spiral of the series. Her sister is the talented one in the family,

and has been dancing her whole life (and getting a scholarship out of it), while Skyler is the “smart”

one who’s talent shouldn’t be wasted trying to dance. Aspiring street dancer Skyler is at a major

crossroads in her life, she decided to try out for the same dance crew now becoming part of the dance

squad, she has to battle a whole host of new things in her life She’s got her sister jealous at her for the

new found success (even though she swears she isn’t) and her boyfriend Luke is suddenly pushed to

the sideline for no apparent reason when the hunky Tyrell is this mysterious underground dancer who

actually turns out to be the misfit son of her dance instructor. This adds even more drama to the list

when it turns out he’s the “bad boy” of the group and his mote wants nothing to do with him, and

especially wants Skyler to have nothing to do with him. All of this adding up to the big giant dance

battle between Pulsar and the rest of the dance community where Skyler really has to prove to herself

that she’s all that.

Here is the list of the major characters and their roles in the movie

 Teyana Taylor as Skyler: playing the lead role and the solo dancer that won them the

scholarship, the story majorly centers on her.

 Bryshere Y. Gray as Tyrell: Son of the choreographer of Honey Daniels studio and he also

helped Skyler become a better dancer making them engage in a romantic affair.

 Sierra Aylina McClain as Tosha: She played the role of the sister to the main character
  Chairman Lee as Jada: Choregrapher and owner of the honey studio, mother of Tyrell.

 Candice Criag as Eva: a competitive dancer from another crew.

 Joel Rush as Luke: Skyler’s boyfriend in the movie.

 Brya Wood as Maya: she is the queen bee of Pulser dance crew and the solo dancer before

she left to the other crew (Atmasphere).

 Laurence kao as Jamaica: Tosha’s friend and also a dancer in Pulser.

 Kwajalyn Brown: Skyler and Tosha’s mother.

 Paige Fralix as Nia: A dancer in the Pulser group with a manipulative attitude.

 Josh Ventura as Derrick: Jada’s gay assistant who is also a dancer.

3.2 Styles of Dances In Honey

The major styles of dance seen in the movie Honey ‘rise up and dance’ is hip-hop contemporary

based on the genre of movie it is and setting (21st century America). Although, there are still other

sub genres of dances that are evident in the movie which take their roots from contemporary hip-hop,

and other borrowed dances from several like Africa, Italy, France. Below are a list of some of the

dances that can be seen in the movie Honey (rise up and dance) :

 Break dance

 Hip-hop contemporary

 Soul leg work

 Trap dance (whip/naenae)

 B-Boy-ing (hip-hop with stunt)

 Animal imitations

 Street hop

 African contemporary

 Indian dances
  Salsa

 Ballet

 Stretching and dance exercises and so on.

3.3 Forms of Music Choreographed To

The basic music form use in the movie was hip-hop and this served as the major music in

most dance movies.

It is to be noted that every single one of these genres (forms) was matched up with a touch of

hip-hop/ contemporary for example the Zulu hip-hop was actually pure hip-hop music with a touch of

Zulu sound (south African instrument and vocals). They were also other cultural references in the

musical styles like Arabian and Indian.

3.4 Choreographic Outlook of Dances In Honey

A private choreographer worked on the dance they performed for the final battle. They

include:

 Jungle Boogie; Choreographers: Antwain Hart and Kenneth Tipton

 Hot Ice (Atlanta); Choreographer: Kiki Ely

 Future Kingz; Choreographer: Zaya Sosho

 F.Y.E; Choreographer: Cece Tor

There is a mood set with every scene and for all the scenes with dances; the mood is interpreted in

the dance seen. For example, in scene 16, when Jada (Charmin Lee) was dancing after the

confrontation with her son, she does a slow dance to blues music, interpreted to show her sadness/

anger at that point. Another example is whenever there is a dance tutorial going on between Tyrell

and Skyler, there is always an interpretation of a budding romance between the two of them other
 themes interpreted by dance in the movie include: aggression, competitiveness, seduction and so

on.

Chapter Four

Aesthetics of Dance In Honey

4.1 Scene by Scene analysis of dances in Honey

This is a breakdown and analysis of the types of dances done in the movie Honey: rise up and

dance in a scene by scene format.

Scene 1

The scene opens with Skyler in her room, doing a freestyle break dance to a rap song her

mother enters and complains on how she spends hours dancing and forget that she is supposed to go

to nursing school and get a degree, there her mother stated clearly that she has no chance in dance and

that her sister is more talented than her and she advices to take a nursing practice training instead of

focusing on dancing.

Scene 2

A studio rehearsal session comprising of contemporary hip-hop dance and a touch of soul.

This scene is where Skyler shows up at the studio where her sister dances because her sister forgot

her phone on the kitchen table, then she saw the poster for the dance competition and the prices to be

won and this drew her attention more to becoming a professional dancer. In the studio we see the best

dancer in the crew Maya doing her own thing after the dance routine which the owner is not pleased,

and then there a snake amongst them trying to tear them both apart by telling them different stories to

turn them into enemies.

Scene 3
 This scene did not contain any dance. This scene is the restaurant scene where Skyler works

and then we see her and her boyfriend flirting with each other while she is on duty, while her

colleague admires her man and she does the same, there is a little bit of skate dance here also, after

working hours she settles with her man and tells him about her intention to joining the dance crew

pulsar for the scholarship price to pursue her dream , he at first made her see reasons why she

shouldn’t join them , making her understand that dancing as a hobby is far different from professional

dancing but not withstanding she was going to try out in the audition.

Scene 4

A sequential movement from one scene to another showing Skyler gathering some dance

knowledge on the street and also from dance videos while an hip-hop song plays in the background as

follows;

Fig. 1: Skyler with the group of girls on the street dancing while she records

Skate ring: Contemporary hip-hop dance with a touch of old school steps
 Street: A group of boys dancing African contemporary (shoki and alkaida)

Skate ring: Soul leg work

Street: A group of girls dancing a mash up of trap (whip/nae nae) with a touch of

Contemporary

Street: Skyler dancing hip-hop with the aid of some bars (barrier dancing)

Room: Hip-hop with a touch of Ballet

Scene 5

The Pulsar audition process opening with a groovy hip-hop dance mixed with trap steps

Fig 2: The girls section of the Pulsar audition with Nia in front.

Followed by a group of boys doing a contemporary version of Indian and salsa dances while

touching it up with soul steps and stunting (B-Boying)

A group of girls then come along with some African contemporary steps with break-dance,

twerking and twisting also with a little touch of animal imitation and seductive dances followed

by drop and roll and ending with splits.

While they waited for the audition results, there were sessions of stretching exercises and

stunting.

Scene 6
 The first Pulsar rehearsal showed contemporary dances with a lot of smooth body

movements, where Skyler joins in after been picked to be a part of the crew because of the absence

of a member and her wonderful performance during the audition session

Next, they went to the club and did some regular club dances like the belly dance. There she

meets Tyrell so got attracted to her because of her dance moves and made a offer to do more dance

rehearsals with her.

Scene 7

There was no dance in this scene. This scene entails where Skyler and are sister are having a

talk about the club activity, then her boyfriend stops by and congratulates her. Another sequence is in

the studio where Mrs J the leader peaks Mia has a solo dancer for the completion.

Scene 8

A dance battle with steps like belly dancing, seductive dancing, flexible and back breaking

dances and a hip-hop version of salsa all done to a Calypso beat song.

Fig 3: The club dance battle between Skylar and Eva

Scene 9
 Tyrell’s studio where he gives her the first lesson on dance styles mash ups with steps from

trap, hip-hop and contemporary and a lot of moonwalk.

Fig 4: A collage of Skyler and Tyrell that shows them dancing together (google.com)

Cut to the Honey Daniels studio where she showcases these steps in the rehearsal with others

dancing pole dances taking steps from Arabian and Salsa dances.

Scene 10

Freestyle sessions.

Scene 11

A sequence showing pure hip-hop dances and another sequence showing hip-hop dances

with a touch of South African (Zulu) dance. Showing the honey crew getting very ready with lots

and lots of rehearsals after their solo dancer left to join another crew, here they se Mrs J has been hard

on them due to tension on the forth coming competition.

 Fig 5: The Pulsar rehearsal process showing Skylar free styling

Scene 12

A sequence showing pure hip-hop dance and another sequence showing pure hip-hop

dances and a lot of leg work and imitation of regular physical actions (boxing)

Scene 13

Freestyle mirror dancing and hip-hop dance with a touch of Zulu steps

Scene 14

A lot of pop dancing resesmbling Michael Jackson steps (moon walk) and street steps and

twerking.

Scene 15

There is no dance in this scene. This scene shows how the crew members solicited for Skyler

to be the solo dancer after seeing her videos of her dancing with Tyrell but mrs J doesn’t support the

movement stating that she is not as good as the previous solo dancer Mia. This makes Skyler really

down and she leaves the crew to apply for the nursing practice.
Scene 16

Slow expressive dance to blues music interpreting sadness/anger. This dance is done by Mrs

J and she use d the dance to express her anger and sadness while her son walks in on her and they had

a little talk which changed her mindset on Skyler and making her the solo dancer for the competition.

Scene 17

There is no dance in this scene, this scene shows Mrs J going to Skyler’s house with the offer

to make her the solo dancer but she is not welcomed there and had a lot of objections from Skyler’s

mom after leaving, there is an argument between skyler her mom and her sister on how they both are

not supporting her dream and she storms out angrily.

Scene 18

Final dance battle with the following styles of dances

 Contemporary hip-hop

 Stunting and B-Boy-ing

 Twerking

 Jabawockez

 Hip-hop

 Slow mo hip-hop

 Ballet

 Imitation of regular action (swimming)

 Break dance

 Trap (reverse, lock, stab)

 Fig 6: Skylar representing the Pulsar Crew in the freestyle session of the final battle

4.2 Theatrical elements that entrances the dance in honey

Music, design, and drama have all played important roles in the evolution of dance, and in

many cultures dance has actually been inseparable from these arts. Even where dance is perceived as

an independent art form, most choreography is still accompanied by one or more of these elements.

Choreographers generally regard them as integral parts of the works, sound and visual effects, for

example, can clarify the dramatic effect of a dance movement and can also help the spectator to

perceive more fully its aesthetics qualities. In a general way, music, design, and drama also work

together to heighten the experience of dance movement and can also help the spectator to perceive

more fully its aesthetic qualities. In a general way, music, design, and drama also work together to

heighten the experience of dance as something removed from everyday experience, inspiring a

special attention in the spectator.

In the movie Honey rise up and dance; there are two important elements of dance that

entrances the dance in Honey rise up and dance; and they include; MUSIC AND RHYTHM
MUSIC

The most important element of dance is music, and it is rare for dance of any kind social, theatrical,

or religious – to develop without musical accomplishment. In the movie every dance movement was

done with the aid of different genres of music and the dance was choreographed to suit the style of

the music, imagine the whole movie without music to accompany it that would have been tragic I

must confess. The close relation between dance and music is based on the fact that both are

organized around rhythmic pattern; thus, the rhythm of the accompanying music may be used to

accompanying music may be used to determine the rhythm of the dance, to give it emphasis, or to

help the dancers maintain the sane beat.

Many of the terms used in reference to dance rhythm, such as tempo, dynamics, and beat, are derived

from music, as most dances is earlier set to music or accompanied by it. Particularly in cases where

the choreographer sets the dance to a previously composed score, the music may determine both the

length and structure of the work and even the exact the exact phrasing of the movements. As its

simplest, there may be an exact correspondence between the notes and the dance steps, as in a basic

waltz melody.

The music used in the movie determined the style of the dances done, they used different styles of

music like fro pop, hip-hop, Zulu hip hop etc and dances where done in accordance. Clapping and

stamping can also play an important role in producing the hypnotic effect necessary to certain ritual

dances, uniting both spectators and dancers in a single world of sound and clearing their minds of

everyday preoccupations.

Also in many Indian and Asian classical dances done, stamping also plays an important role in

maintain the beat. Just music can enhance the mood of a dance and influence the way in which the
spectator interprets its dramatic content, so visual elements such as costumes, makeup, masks, props,

lightning, and stage sets may also amplify certain qualities of dance movement,,

RHYTHM

Almost all physical activity is done with the help of rhythms, this rhythms include; beating of the

heart, the flow of the breath, and the actions of walking and running. Work activities such as digging,

sawing, scrubbing, or planting also tend to fall into regular rhythm, the muscles pacing the effort.

When the rhythm is perfectly even, a regular pattern of time and force is established- each inhalation

and exhalation of the breath and each stride or stroke of the saw taking the same amount of time and

using the same amount of energy. In dance, too, the setting up of regular, efficient rhythms may also

be important in allowing the dancer to continue dancing for a long time, whether the dancer be a Sufi

dervish or a disco dancer. Individual dance movement also have a natural rhythm that determines the

way in which they can be executed. A high leap, for example can take only a certain amount of time

(the force of gravity one). Thus, the rhythm, or pattern of ancient, imposed on the leap can be neither

very sharp nor much sustained.

Even though choreographers are limited to those rhythms permitted by the various dance movements,

they do not always use those that are most natural and efficient. It may be easier for a dancer to

perform a section of runs and jumps at a moderate, evenly paced rhythm, but this may not produce

the effect that the choreographer wants.. in the movie the choreographer varied rhythms for many

reasons, the mot basic being the wish to create different qualities of movement appears joyous, calm,

or anguished. Also, choreographers following a musical score may manipulate the rhythms of the

dance movements either to match or counterpoint those of the music.

4.3 A study of dance aesthetics in honey

Dance aesthetic means executing that dance with movement technique, and style that exemplify it. it

is referring to the dance’s beauty, appreciation of beauty or refinement . one of the basic motives of

dance is the expression and communication of emotion. People- and even certain higher animals often

dance as a way of releasing powerful feelings, such as sudden accesses of high spirits, joy,

impatience, or anger, and this is seen in movie where they used dances to express their feeling, like

Tyrell and Skyler using dance to show romance, Mrs J using dance to express her sadness and anger,

these motives forces can be seen not only in the spontaneous skipping, stamping and jumping

movements often performed in moments of intense emotion, but also in the more formalized

movements of “set” dances, such as tribal war dances or festive folk dances. Here the dance helps to

generate emotions as well as release them.

In the movie honey rise up and dance people also dance for the pleasure of experiencing the body.

And the surrounding environment in new and special effort or stylization, such as high kicks, leaps,

or measured walks. Dance movements tend to be organized into a spatial or rhythmic pattern, tracing

lines or circles on the ground, following a certain order of steps, or conforming to a pattern of regular

accents or stresses.

Dance can, in fact, create a completely self-contained world for dancers, in which they are capable of

physical effort, prowess, and endurance far beyond their normal powers. Sufi dervishes, as an

extreme example, can whirl ecstatically for long stretches of time without appearing tired or giddy,

and certain Indonesian dancers can strike daggers against their naked chests without causing apparent

pain or injury. Self expression and physical release may thus be seen as the two basic motives for

dance as in the movie one can see that their expression corresponds with the types of dances done.

Dance itself however takes a wide variety of forms from single spontaneous activities to formalize art
or from a social gathering where everyone participates to a theatrical event with dancers performing

before an audience as seen n the competition (final battle) done with several dance groups and a huge

mass of audience watching.

 Chapter Five

Conclusion

5.1 Summary

This study researches deeply into the aesthetics of contemporary dance in a dance movie. A critical

review has been made into the art of creating dances and the process involved in dance types. It is

therefore without doubts that the aesthetics of dance is one of the most important aspects to focus on

in a dance movie production, this is because they have the capability to make or mar production. A

thorough check has been done through this project work on the role of aesthetics of contemporary

dance in the move honey rise up and dance, and the duties of the choreographer creating the

aesthetics in the dances. A critical look into the movie points out the efficiency of the aesthetics in the

contemporary dances and the production as a whole.

Furthermore, various genres of dances were pointed out and discussed in this project work. These

dances were classified based on their duties and how they are made use in the performance. A major

concentration was placed on dances done in the movie honey rise up and dance and the scenario

surrounding the dances, this is mainly because of the art involved in the process of making the dances

which had an appealing visual aesthetics to the production, and also communicated the nature of the

movie and setting.

Conclusively, we can therefore deduce from this project work that aesthetics of contemporary dance

speaks volume and it is also very important for interpretation an beautification of the production as a

whole.

5.2 Conclusion

From the findings above, it can be positively concluded that there is no dance

performance without aesthetics. Music is also an important tool for expression and choreographing

the dances. Music and dance are interwoven and cannot be separated for any reason.
5.3 Findings

In the course of this study, it is discovered that the aesthetics of dance is more of artistic

process by either the choreographer or the dances than intellectual tasking process. They are one key

thing that leads to the success of a production. To this knowledge, aesthetic in dance is seen as part of

the dances in a dance production. Furthermore, the knowledge of the aesthetics is not only limited to

the choreographers alone, but also the dancers that will dance in the movie this is because the

aesthetics of the dances will be shown by the dancers when doing the dances portraying the intention

of the choreographer

5.4 Recommendations

Based on this discovery it has been recommended that the aesthetics of dance should be

critically followed up by the dancers and the choreographers, because the artistic process involves it

all. Also, there are some hidden dances in the world that has not been exploited. Dancers,

choreographers should look towards focusing more on the aesthetics of the dances and the idea

conceive in the dance productions.

References

^Honey: Rise Up and Dance. Directed by Bille Woodruff. Universal Studios c.2018

^Macmillan Dictionary

^Problems in defining Dance. www.britannica.com 2016

^The Aesthetics of Dance. . www.britannica.com 2016

^Honey: Rise up and Dance (2018) Full Cast and Crew. m.imdb.com

^Honey: Rise up and Dance (2018) directed by Bille Woodruff. www.letterboxd.com

^Franks A.H. 1963. Social Dance: A short History. Rouledge & Kegan Paul, London.

^ Silvester, Vitor 1993. Modern Ballroom Dancing; rev.ed, London, (London: H. Jenkins, 1927)

^The Concept of Aesthetic. plato.stanford.edu, 11th September 2009

^Nana, Loria (June 30, 2015). Philosophical context of contemporary choreographic space.

Musicology & cultural science. P 64-67

^Mackrell, Judith R. (May 19, 2017). Dance. Encyclopedia, Britannica, inc.