Kathryn Rustemeyer
Gateway to University Honors
UC Email: [email protected]
College: CCM
Major: Ballet
Title of Project: Benefits of Flow Arts
Thematic Area: Creative Arts
Expected Project Start Date: Early Spring 2014
Expected Project End Date: Late Spring 2014
Self-Designed Honors Experience Proposal
Abstract:
For my self-designed honors experience, I will be exploring the creative domain of the flow arts-the widely expanding realm of dance and performing styles using objects (such as poi and hula hoops) to enhance the connection between mind, body, music, and spirit. The “problem” statement at hand that I seek to evaluate is: how can people funnel their energy into a healthy, musical, meditative art form that can reduce stress levels and bring communities of people together in a positive way? I would also like to explore the contrasting natures and complementary effects of practicing flow arts solitarily versus in a group setting. My methodology for investigating these questions involves 1) Researching the history of flow arts (when did they begin, where did they originate, how did they get popular?), 2) Field work; e.g. traveling to a festival and interviewing people who practice and/or observe the flow arts in action, asking them how it has affected their lives, how it will shape the future of our society, how it affects their feelings and daily well-being and sense of confidence and community, 3) Compiling a video of the interviews and sequentially synthesizing and analyzing all the information to better understand the whole picture of this creative movement, and 4) Finding ways for myself to use these art forms to better my own community and my own personal wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of those around me. To fulfill the required 75-80 hours of effort, I will combine my hours spent doing research (approximately 10 hours), fieldwork at the festival (25-30 hours), video compilation (20 hours), and reflection through journaling and an ending reflection (15-20 hours). By carrying out this process, I will discover my own place in the flow arts community and will constantly brainstorm new, innovative ways to use flow arts in different contexts and break as many societal barriers as possible by spreading a sense of communal love and acceptance of all human beings. This in turn will expand my connections between flow arts and ballet, and will benefit my dancing career by making me a more versatile and insightful performer.
Connection to Learning Outcomes within an Honors Thematic Area:
Learning outcome #1: Increase my knowledge of the background of the flow arts and the roles it has played in connection to different cultures around the world.
Actions: I will research, using various sources, the ways in which the flow arts have existed and developed throughout human history. I will investigate how all sorts of cultures have used objects ceremoniously and to achieve either a visual nirvana or an inner meditative state, or even in combination with self-defense. Hopefully this may even involve meeting one-on-one with a historian or experienced person of sorts.
Learning outcome #2: Achieve an understanding of how the flow arts have entered many people’s lives and influenced and improved their physical, musical, rhythmic, and/or spiritual existence.
Actions: I will travel to a music festival and spend time talking to and practicing flow arts with several individuals. In this process, I will interview (and in most cases videotape) each person to gain knowledge on a more personal level pertaining to the ways that flow arts help shape all kinds of people into who they are. By capturing these moments on video, I hope to accurately represent the universality of these art forms and how everyone has a different journey. I will also be able to use this video to present my case to others in a vibrant, interest-sparking way.
Learning outcome #3: Acquire evidence explaining why and how the flow arts promote a sense of community and bring people of all kinds together to share in the joy of movement and music.
Actions: I will meet with (and hula hoop with) the Hoop Cats at the University of Cincinnati (the official hula hooping club) and the Cincinnati Flow Arts Tribe as well as attending the aforementioned festival to gain firsthand experience with a large group of flow arts enthusiasts. I will take notes on how doing this activity together helps all the individual people become connected with each other and passionate about their idea of how a community should function in the pursuit of promoting health, peace, and harmony and sharing with others.
Connection to Goals and Academic Theories:
Ultimately, my professional goal is to perform as a professional dancer either in a ballet company or as part of a touring spectacle of some sort (for example, dancing and hooping with bands as they go from festival to festival). Academically, working towards my degree in dance will make me a more experienced and well-rounded dancer and artist. This study of the flow arts will tie into my goals by enriching me with the knowledge of a more avant-garde spin on movement and performing, which interests and inspires me.
Resources I will use for research:
1. "The Flow Arts." The Flow Arts. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.
This website gives a long, detailed, and informative description of what exactly flow arts are, how they can be used, and where they originated. I will read this thoroughly to better my understanding of what I am investigating.
2. "Top 10 Tools of the Flow Arts." Listverse. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.
This list, complete with pictures and descriptions, introduces the reader to ten different kinds of objects used for the flow arts. It also explains more about how fire is incorporated into flow arts practices and how it stimulates a meditative state. This will benefit my holistic knowledge of the wide range of tools used to flow. It will open my eyes to different platforms to use as a performer, which will in turn benefit my versatility and creativity as a performer, which ties into my professional goal.
3. Flow Affair, the Evolution of Flow Arts. Dir. Wolfgang Busch. Perf. Xavier Caylor. 2011.
This film, the first of its kind, details the development of “Flagging”, a form of meditative flow art that originated in dance clubs in the 1970s across America blossomed many souls into their fulfilled state of being. By watching this film, I will learn even more about yet another form of flow art- expanding my view of different settings in which it can be used. It will help me to broaden my horizons and range of locations I consider in the performing arts realm as well as how the art form has enriched people’s lives no matter their gender or sexuality. It’s also a neat history lesson about how American culture during that time period affected the development of this flow art.
Initiative, Independence and Creativity:
In exploring the topic of flow arts, my unique contribution to this project will be intertwining ballet with the flow arts-bringing a ballet dancer’s perspective into the highly diverse world of object-manipulation. My skills as a ballerina include flexibility, quick-learning, strong work ethic, and a unique flow to my hooping. My initiative lies in my eagerness to explore how hooping and all other kinds of flow arts can benefit ballet dancers and vice versa. I seek to find similarities and differences between the two art forms, and to analyze how they can contradict but also complement each other.
Reflection:
As a proper reflective tool, I plan to journal (whether it be written or through video/blog) my feelings during several moments of my experience as an ongoing analysis of how the flow arts affect me not only educationally but also physically and emotionally. I will describe and interpret the struggles as well as the successes along the way. At the end of my experience, I will look back on all my journaling and develop an overall reflection of my work as a whole and what it has taught me. Some questions I can ask along the way:
· How has hooping by myself compared to flowing with friends?
· Does location have a lot to do with successfulness in flowing?
· How does music affect my flow? Others’ flow?
· Do our flows change in sync with each other as the music changes or are we lost in our own worlds?
· How easy is it to achieve a meditative state while flowing? How long does it generally take?
· Does it help to practice one trick at a time repetitiously, and then flow through combinations, or does this not help significantly?
· How does flowing affect my mood? How can it change the mood in different situations?
Dissemination:
I will share what I learned and created with others by presenting my compilation of videos I will have taken along my journey. I plan to share this video project on my Weebly portfolio, the link of which I will submit to be considered as a featured experience on the Honors Facebook page. I also want to present my video at a gallery event and/or artistic gathering of some sort to share my experience with as many people as possible.
Project Advisor:
Dawn Ziegler
Title: Flow Artist, Yoga Instructor, and Painter
Member of Cincinnati Flow Arts Tribe
Phone: 513.680.9664
Budget:
My budget will include the ticket for one music festival as well as gas money to drive to this festival. This monetary value to be determined when I decide which specific festival I will be attending to conduct my research. (To be determined at a later date).
Gateway to University Honors
UC Email: [email protected]
College: CCM
Major: Ballet
Title of Project: Benefits of Flow Arts
Thematic Area: Creative Arts
Expected Project Start Date: Early Spring 2014
Expected Project End Date: Late Spring 2014
Self-Designed Honors Experience Proposal
Abstract:
For my self-designed honors experience, I will be exploring the creative domain of the flow arts-the widely expanding realm of dance and performing styles using objects (such as poi and hula hoops) to enhance the connection between mind, body, music, and spirit. The “problem” statement at hand that I seek to evaluate is: how can people funnel their energy into a healthy, musical, meditative art form that can reduce stress levels and bring communities of people together in a positive way? I would also like to explore the contrasting natures and complementary effects of practicing flow arts solitarily versus in a group setting. My methodology for investigating these questions involves 1) Researching the history of flow arts (when did they begin, where did they originate, how did they get popular?), 2) Field work; e.g. traveling to a festival and interviewing people who practice and/or observe the flow arts in action, asking them how it has affected their lives, how it will shape the future of our society, how it affects their feelings and daily well-being and sense of confidence and community, 3) Compiling a video of the interviews and sequentially synthesizing and analyzing all the information to better understand the whole picture of this creative movement, and 4) Finding ways for myself to use these art forms to better my own community and my own personal wellbeing as well as the wellbeing of those around me. To fulfill the required 75-80 hours of effort, I will combine my hours spent doing research (approximately 10 hours), fieldwork at the festival (25-30 hours), video compilation (20 hours), and reflection through journaling and an ending reflection (15-20 hours). By carrying out this process, I will discover my own place in the flow arts community and will constantly brainstorm new, innovative ways to use flow arts in different contexts and break as many societal barriers as possible by spreading a sense of communal love and acceptance of all human beings. This in turn will expand my connections between flow arts and ballet, and will benefit my dancing career by making me a more versatile and insightful performer.
Connection to Learning Outcomes within an Honors Thematic Area:
Learning outcome #1: Increase my knowledge of the background of the flow arts and the roles it has played in connection to different cultures around the world.
Actions: I will research, using various sources, the ways in which the flow arts have existed and developed throughout human history. I will investigate how all sorts of cultures have used objects ceremoniously and to achieve either a visual nirvana or an inner meditative state, or even in combination with self-defense. Hopefully this may even involve meeting one-on-one with a historian or experienced person of sorts.
Learning outcome #2: Achieve an understanding of how the flow arts have entered many people’s lives and influenced and improved their physical, musical, rhythmic, and/or spiritual existence.
Actions: I will travel to a music festival and spend time talking to and practicing flow arts with several individuals. In this process, I will interview (and in most cases videotape) each person to gain knowledge on a more personal level pertaining to the ways that flow arts help shape all kinds of people into who they are. By capturing these moments on video, I hope to accurately represent the universality of these art forms and how everyone has a different journey. I will also be able to use this video to present my case to others in a vibrant, interest-sparking way.
Learning outcome #3: Acquire evidence explaining why and how the flow arts promote a sense of community and bring people of all kinds together to share in the joy of movement and music.
Actions: I will meet with (and hula hoop with) the Hoop Cats at the University of Cincinnati (the official hula hooping club) and the Cincinnati Flow Arts Tribe as well as attending the aforementioned festival to gain firsthand experience with a large group of flow arts enthusiasts. I will take notes on how doing this activity together helps all the individual people become connected with each other and passionate about their idea of how a community should function in the pursuit of promoting health, peace, and harmony and sharing with others.
Connection to Goals and Academic Theories:
Ultimately, my professional goal is to perform as a professional dancer either in a ballet company or as part of a touring spectacle of some sort (for example, dancing and hooping with bands as they go from festival to festival). Academically, working towards my degree in dance will make me a more experienced and well-rounded dancer and artist. This study of the flow arts will tie into my goals by enriching me with the knowledge of a more avant-garde spin on movement and performing, which interests and inspires me.
Resources I will use for research:
1. "The Flow Arts." The Flow Arts. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.
This website gives a long, detailed, and informative description of what exactly flow arts are, how they can be used, and where they originated. I will read this thoroughly to better my understanding of what I am investigating.
2. "Top 10 Tools of the Flow Arts." Listverse. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2013.
This list, complete with pictures and descriptions, introduces the reader to ten different kinds of objects used for the flow arts. It also explains more about how fire is incorporated into flow arts practices and how it stimulates a meditative state. This will benefit my holistic knowledge of the wide range of tools used to flow. It will open my eyes to different platforms to use as a performer, which will in turn benefit my versatility and creativity as a performer, which ties into my professional goal.
3. Flow Affair, the Evolution of Flow Arts. Dir. Wolfgang Busch. Perf. Xavier Caylor. 2011.
This film, the first of its kind, details the development of “Flagging”, a form of meditative flow art that originated in dance clubs in the 1970s across America blossomed many souls into their fulfilled state of being. By watching this film, I will learn even more about yet another form of flow art- expanding my view of different settings in which it can be used. It will help me to broaden my horizons and range of locations I consider in the performing arts realm as well as how the art form has enriched people’s lives no matter their gender or sexuality. It’s also a neat history lesson about how American culture during that time period affected the development of this flow art.
Initiative, Independence and Creativity:
In exploring the topic of flow arts, my unique contribution to this project will be intertwining ballet with the flow arts-bringing a ballet dancer’s perspective into the highly diverse world of object-manipulation. My skills as a ballerina include flexibility, quick-learning, strong work ethic, and a unique flow to my hooping. My initiative lies in my eagerness to explore how hooping and all other kinds of flow arts can benefit ballet dancers and vice versa. I seek to find similarities and differences between the two art forms, and to analyze how they can contradict but also complement each other.
Reflection:
As a proper reflective tool, I plan to journal (whether it be written or through video/blog) my feelings during several moments of my experience as an ongoing analysis of how the flow arts affect me not only educationally but also physically and emotionally. I will describe and interpret the struggles as well as the successes along the way. At the end of my experience, I will look back on all my journaling and develop an overall reflection of my work as a whole and what it has taught me. Some questions I can ask along the way:
· How has hooping by myself compared to flowing with friends?
· Does location have a lot to do with successfulness in flowing?
· How does music affect my flow? Others’ flow?
· Do our flows change in sync with each other as the music changes or are we lost in our own worlds?
· How easy is it to achieve a meditative state while flowing? How long does it generally take?
· Does it help to practice one trick at a time repetitiously, and then flow through combinations, or does this not help significantly?
· How does flowing affect my mood? How can it change the mood in different situations?
Dissemination:
I will share what I learned and created with others by presenting my compilation of videos I will have taken along my journey. I plan to share this video project on my Weebly portfolio, the link of which I will submit to be considered as a featured experience on the Honors Facebook page. I also want to present my video at a gallery event and/or artistic gathering of some sort to share my experience with as many people as possible.
Project Advisor:
Dawn Ziegler
Title: Flow Artist, Yoga Instructor, and Painter
Member of Cincinnati Flow Arts Tribe
Phone: 513.680.9664
Budget:
My budget will include the ticket for one music festival as well as gas money to drive to this festival. This monetary value to be determined when I decide which specific festival I will be attending to conduct my research. (To be determined at a later date).