Artist ·················
Ryan Senior
Medium ················· Performance Art
Performance Date ······· April 2, 2021
Location ··············· Utah Valley University
Medium ················· Performance Art
Performance Date ······· April 2, 2021
Location ··············· Utah Valley University
Ze Disco Party
Thesis
In the world, many resist to embrace emotions and face fears; there is often a tangible lack of vulnerability. We allow insecurities or self-doubt to inhibit us from revealing our authentic, flawed selves. When we shield ourselves from possible judgement or rejection from others, we miss out on opportunities that can get us more connected not only to our outer surroundings but also to the inner workings of our soul.
Music has an enabling power that connects us with those outer surroundings and inner workings; it can even allow us to disconnect from our inhibitions. When music infuses our bodies into movement and dance, we allow ourselves to open up. Through dance, we perform vulnerability.
In the 1970’s, discotheques were liberating public spaces where
In the world, many resist to embrace emotions and face fears; there is often a tangible lack of vulnerability. We allow insecurities or self-doubt to inhibit us from revealing our authentic, flawed selves. When we shield ourselves from possible judgement or rejection from others, we miss out on opportunities that can get us more connected not only to our outer surroundings but also to the inner workings of our soul.
Music has an enabling power that connects us with those outer surroundings and inner workings; it can even allow us to disconnect from our inhibitions. When music infuses our bodies into movement and dance, we allow ourselves to open up. Through dance, we perform vulnerability.
In the 1970’s, discotheques were liberating public spaces where
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individuals could let their bodies more organically react to music and surroundings, instead of performing social dance routines. Throughout history, social dance had often been performed through traditional, choreographed rituals; dancers had to know each move in order to participate.
The abandonment of historically rigid dance routines, combined with groovy and funky music of the discotheque, created a space where dancers performed not only individual liberation from strict etiquette, but a united performance of vulnerability. In this gallery, I have interpreted elements of discotheques to create a space where I can perform my own vulnerability and where I can encourage the viewer to do the same. It is my hope for this space and performance to achieve that same goal of the 1970s discotheque.
individuals could let their bodies more organically react to music and surroundings, instead of performing social dance routines. Throughout history, social dance had often been performed through traditional, choreographed rituals; dancers had to know each move in order to participate.
The abandonment of historically rigid dance routines, combined with groovy and funky music of the discotheque, created a space where dancers performed not only individual liberation from strict etiquette, but a united performance of vulnerability. In this gallery, I have interpreted elements of discotheques to create a space where I can perform my own vulnerability and where I can encourage the viewer to do the same. It is my hope for this space and performance to achieve that same goal of the 1970s discotheque.
Poster Concepts
Dancing
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Dancing
Disco Cube
Vulnerability
Instagram Advertising
These were instagram story ads that were made to promte the event and bring awareness of Ze Disco Party. Advertising was not pointless even in the midst of COVID-19 season as people were able to safely attend the event. Though not many were able to attend, it went well and the word of the event caught air and those able, came in support.
Ze Disco Party Performance
Event Photos
I wanted to thank all who came and supported me and the performance. It was such a treat to see you all there. Much hard work went into Ze Disco Party and was so much fun for me to create a space where we all could be vulnerable and do it through DISCO!