Call for Proposals

New York University presents:
Impulses to Begin
Dance Across the Board Graduate Student Conference
Hosted by the Tisch Dance Department, NYU, January 31st, 2009
http://dabdance.blogspot.com
danceacrosstheboard@gmail.com

Call for Papers and Performances

Dance Across the Board is seeking proposals that consider the theme: Impulses to Begin. We would like to explore the notion of impulse in the field of dance, and the ways in which it spurs beginnings in practice, theory, and social movements. In this current climate of change, we are interested in examining the stimuli that spark desire for action and transformation.

What is an impulse? Why and when does it occur? Does something begin after an impulse, and what happens when an impulse is intercepted? What needs to begin? What has begun? In physiology, an impulse is a “progressive wave of excitation over a nerve or muscle fiber” that can either stimulate or inhibit. An electric impulse is a single, often abrupt, flow of current in one direction. Impulse can also be defined as a force, thrust, push against, pressure, shock, or instinctual urge. The impulse in its various forms is pertinent across cultures and disciplines, and Dance Across the Board encourages papers and performances that approach the topic from any of these angles.

Suggested areas of investigation include, but are not limited to:
Impulses and beginnings in theory, history, choreography, and practice; in relation to the political, the social, the body, technology, education, community, culture, and audience psychology.

Dance Across the Board welcomes proposals in the form of papers, solo or duet performances, lecture-demonstrations, films, and mixed media. Interpretations of the theme are encouraged as the conference promotes new ideas and possibilities. Presentations should not exceed 15 minutes. The conference will be curated into panels. Please be advised that the conference studio is only able to support basic technological needs.

Dance Across the Board (DAB) is an interdisciplinary platform for graduate students in New York City and surrounding areas to present work and works-in-progress on dance and body-based performance. Conceived in the spirit of Dance Under Construction, DAB seeks to provide an East Coast platform where graduate students working in various aspects of dance can come together and dialogue about their research and interests. This first DAB event will feature curated, informal studio choreography showings, papers, and dance technology projects.

Proposals should include the following:
1. Completed Submission Form including:
- Name
- Title of presentation
- Email address and telephone number
- Institutional affiliation
- Names of other participants
- Format of presentation
- Technical requirements
2. 300-word explanation/abstract that describes your presentation and how it relates to the conference theme
3. 50-word bio for all participants
4. For performances, a 3 to 5-minute clip of the piece or a representative work sample. Please mail DVD/VHS or link to an online video.

All proposal materials (except for DVD/VHS) should be emailed to danceacrosstheboard@gmail.com
Please mail DVD/VHS, labeled with your name and viewing info, to:
“Dance Across the Board,” NYU Tisch Dance Department, 111 Second Ave. 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10003

Deadline for Proposals: Friday December 5th 2008
Notification of acceptance by: Tuesday December 9th 2008

The conference is free and open to the public
Please direct all questions to: danceacrosstheboard@gmail.com