How can choreography challenge the way audiences experience dance without disengaging them from the work? An original modern dance work, Haut Monde, choreographed by Keene State College senior Jacob Lavoie investigates unpredictable, confrontational, and evocative movement. This piece premiered in the Keene State College Choreography Showcase in December 2018 and a revised version of the piece will be performed at An Evening of Dance in April 2019. The work is grounded in research of high society and royalty, the absurd, hordes of people, and movement initiated from the pelvis and spine which is represented in the choreography through gestural, balletic, mechanic, and at times buoyant realms. How can a choreographer use movement and dancers to support their artistic interest in the absurd while being conscious of the audience’s ability to access the work?
