CINEDANS LAB

Cinedans Lab is the education and talent development department of Cinedans. The LAB engages young makers and new talent with the development of dance film and stimulates research. It also offers practical, productional and artistic advice to young as well as experienced makers. Cinedans LAB has developed a series of trajectories. We organise hands-on workshops, labs and (interactive) lectures on filming dance, script writing, and editing. We pay special attention to new technological developments such as VR and interactive possibilities. Cinedans LAB also coaches individual students and professional makers with developing their work.

DANCE & CAMERA

Course description:
In recent years, film has developed strongly as a new platform for dance. In a world where visual language rules, dance film can tell a story in a unique, intuitive and physical way. During the course, students learn how movement and the body can be meaningfully used on film and what role the camera plays in this. They are introduced to technical and content-related film principles. Other ways of producing and going into a creative process are explored. Usually, students work towards making their own film. They are responsible for the entire process, from concept development and choreography to production, filming and editing. Cinedans supports them both before and during the creative process with practical lessons and substantive coaching. Student films regularly find their way to the Cinedans FEST Student Competition. In terms of content, duration and planning, the course is always tailor-made and adapted to the wishes, possibilities and circumstances of the institute and the students involved.

Learning objectives:

Become familiar with dance film and learn about the possibilities it holds as a genre/art form.

Introduction to the visual language for cinema (content tools)

Get the chance to make their own dance film and learn about the steps

Learn about the basic technical things about film, camera movement and camera positions

Gain practical experience in the filmmaking process; guided in a step by step creation process, from concept into product.

Become familiar with converting/adapting their (or somebody else’s) movement language and skills for the screen.

Work together in groups and experience taking on different roles (e.g. directing, dancing, handling the camera, editing etc.)

Learn how to process and incorporate feedback while creating an artistic product.

Receive direct feedback from teachers and peers during and at the end of the process.

Course duration:

Multiple-day course, can be tailor made to the needs of the students and the institution. It is essential to have time between the teaching hours for students to work on and develop their projects.

Practical requirements:

A classroom or studio with a screen or a projector.

A studio or space where the students have enough space to film and do the exercises.

A list of the students before the beginning of the course including any special needs or requirements.

If possible, professional film equipment provided by the institution. Otherwise, students will use their mobile phones to film.

Laptops that students can use (personal or from the school) for editing.

Course outcome:
By the end of the course, the students will have made their own dance film.

AUDITIONING FOR THE CAMERA

Course description:
For the first audition rounds, dancers must present themselves more and more on film. How do you show yourself in front of the camera? What do you demonstrate and how do you film this? And: how does a choreographer look at all those submitted clips? What do you need to be aware of? For dance students and dance professionals from all disciplines, Cinedans has developed a comprehensive course covering all the do’s and don'ts of making a professional auditioning film. Participants learn how to make a clip that catches the eye. They are coached in choosing or making effective movement material, and functional basics of camera work and editing are covered. The course has a practical approach. Participants get to work themselves and finish with their own auditioning film. The workshop can be spread out over a longer period or concentrated over a short period of time. Everything depends on the wishes, possibilities and circumstances of the school or institute.

Learning objective:

Practise filming themselves and presenting their dance skills on camera.

Learn about the process of making an auditioning video and the choices that come with it.

Get some tips and tricks about how to make the process of making an auditioning video easier and smoother.

Learn how to adjust and tailor an audition video depending on what/who they are auditioning for.

Learn to understand what are their unique qualities as dancers and how to highlight them through film.

Learn to make clear and conscious choices about how to film themselves and how they affect the outcome (for example space, outfit, lighting etc.)

Receive direct feedback from teachers and peers for their auditioning film.

Course outcome: By the end of the course, the students will have made their own auditioning film for a specific purpose.

Course duration: 1-4 day course, short or in depth course. Duration also varies depending on the amount of students.

Practical requirements:

A classroom or studio with a screen or a projector.
A studio or space where the students have enough space to film and do the exercises.
A list of the students before the beginning of the course including any special needs or requirements.
Students will use their mobile phones to film.

PITCH YOUR PIECE - WAYS TO PRESENT THROUGH FILM

Course description:
During this course the students are invited to explore ways to present themselves and their art work through film. They will have the opportunity to contextualise their ideas and learn how to use cinematic tools to communicate and present them for a certain aim. The course is designed to familiarise the students with the needs of the creative work field and give them the opportunity to practise, presenting and introducing a specific work or idea.

At the end of the course, the students will have made a dossier that fits the requirements of a particular application for a potential professional opportunity for example a residency or a funding application.

Course aims:

Become familiar with different kinds of professional applications & their requirements.

Get the chance to research opportunities in the work field that fit your work and your ambitions.

Learn to use cinematic tools to reflect and support your work.

Practise the process of making an application.

Practise how to link text, visuals and sound.

Practise talking and presenting your work: how to be concise, specific and attractive.

Learn how to process and incorporate feedback

Course outcome:
By the end of the course the students will have made an audio visual dossier fitting a potential professional opportunity.

Course duration:
3 hours a day, 4 days. Duration and format can be adjusted depending on the needs of the institution.

Practical requirements:

A classroom or studio with a screen or a projector.
A studio or space where the students have enough space to film and do the exercises.
A list of the students before the beginning of the course including any special needs or requirements.
Students will use their mobile phones to film.
Laptops that students can use (personal or from the school) for editing.

INDIVIDUAL COACHING TRAJECTORIES

SCREENINGS

Cinedans holds a very extensive archive of dance films from all over the world. Cinedans Lab offers screenings that can be organised either at the institution or at a local cinema or other cultural centre. The screenings aim to give the students an introduction to the genre of dance film, get them inspired and curious about the different approaches and artistic practices. In addition, the screenings can also be curated by Cinedans to cover or focus on a specific theme or approach to make the learning experience more concise and specific (e.g ways of approaching narrative in dance films, strength and possibilities of camera movement, experimental approach to dance film, dance film documentaries the evolution of dance film making to name a few).