Radiohead’s #RHVignette competition inspired us to work with a beautifully textured score, to reach new viewers, and to experiment in a more graphically creative way with the connections between dancing in the studio and underwater.

The competition offers a chance to be promoted by Radiohead on their website, and perhaps to make a video for a future song.  If you like our submission, please share it with friends on Facebook or Twitter.

Below is the alternative, widescreen version:

The film features Kathleen Fisher and Chisa Hidaka, with cinematography by Benjamin Harley. Produced and Directed by Chisa and Ben, it is set to an instrumental version of ‘Daydeaming’, from Radiohead’s new album ‘A Moon Shaped Pool’. The film is dedicated to one of our most generous supporters, who is full of so much love she can embrace both Radiohead and Dolphin Dance Project with room to spare. Special thanks to Jillian Rutledge, Yuki Kusachi, and Kayoko Sawamura for their tremendous contribution to the development of this work.

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“Angle of Refraction” was an experiment to see if we could produce a live event that offers an immersive experience, just as we do for our film audiences. Our intent was also to share with the local community the work we do (without dolphins) to train and prepare for our on-camera improvisations with wild dolphins. It was a kind of ‘thank you’ to the humans who are always so welcoming to us, and who are so attentive to making this location a safe place for the dolphins.

An audience of snorkelers watched “Angle of Refraction” from the surface. For 20 minutes, the dancers (Kathleen Fisher, Chisa Hidaka, Yuki Kusachi, Jillian Rutledge and Kayoko Sawamura) repeatedly dove down 30 feet or more, spiraling, arcing and dancing our way up the water column in duets, trios and finally a quintet.

And there was also a dolphin audience that gathered as the performance progressed, repeatedly passing by as if to check out what was going on. Their unexpected appearance was a delightful surprise. I wonder what they thought of the event?

Johanna, who was in the (human) audience for “Angle of Refraction” observes in the video that dancers were ‘blending in with Nature’ and that through them she was able to feel ‘so connected’. That’s exactly what we hope for our audiences.   Instead of showing humans standing uniquely separate (and above) all other creatures, we embrace the possibility of being an integral part of our ecosystem as we dance in the ocean’s depths.  The angle of refraction refers to the shift in perspective that Johanna experienced and that we wish to convey to all of our audiences.

In 2014, we returned our focus to developing our dance on film.

In our recent films, the camera actively participates in the movement, so the audience also feels the sensuous, fluid motion of an underwater dance. In this example there is an attentiveness to the camera work, just like the ‘physical listening’ the dancers use to discover the spirals and arcs we do to compliment those of our dance partners. This is how we use the ‘magic’ of film to bring the experience of dancing in the ocean, of relaxing the separation between what is human and what is ‘natural’, to distant audiences.

Isadora Duncan said, “You were once wild here. Don’t let them tame you.” And the call to be more ‘wild’ or more ‘natural’ has remained a strong thread in the works of modern and contemporary choreographers in America to this day.  We feel privileged to extend this lineage into the ocean, dancing in the deep.

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“Surge” is a single take, a 60-second screen dance that highlights the internal experience of dancing underwater as we hold our breath.  One minute is the average length of our active dives.

“Surge”

Performed by Chisa Hidaka and Jillian Rutledge
Underwater Videography by Benjamin Harley
Music by Loren Dempster

Premieres at Topanga Film Festival:  July 18th, 2014

Filmmaker Notes:

Dance improvisation skills are essential to the collaborative work we do with each other and with wild dolphins, but the first requirement for dancing underwater is to master the techniques for being comfortable in the deep ocean while holding your breath, which is an art in itself: the art of free diving.  Jillian Rutledge, featured in this film, embodies this technique so beautifully.  She is an instructor with Apnea Academy, and her insight and sensitivity have enhanced the capabilities of our entire team of dolphin dancers.

“Surge” is a special film because it showcases how much the movement of the camera can contribute to the viewer’s experience of ‘participating in the dance just by watching’; it co-creates the choreography.  It was this video clip, shot in 2012, through which we discovered the approach we continue to develop.  The camera is a dancer, and the choreography is fully integrated into the way it shoots this duet, which offers a very immediate experience of what it is like down there – participating in the surge of forces so much bigger than ourselves – weightless, effortlessly revolving and spiraling, tuning to the movements of another.

When I observe wild dolphins, I am still always inspired. To me, what makes their interactions so dance-like is how hydrodynamic and communicative they are. So we want to embody a dance form that is hydrodynamic and communicative, too. In our training and rehearsals, we are always looking for ways to work with (rather than against) the supportiveness and resistance we find at different depths of the ocean, and fine tuning our capability to ‘listen’ to and interact with each other through our bodies and movements and eye contact. It isn’t easy: we are always exhausted and freezing by the end of our rehearsal sessions. But we also feel a kind of bliss, having focused so intently on our harmonious connections to the ocean and to each other.

It is our continued hope that our work will inspire increased protection and respect for all dolphins and their habitats.  With thanks to the dolphins, our fellow dancers, and everyone who so generously supports our work!

Visit our website to learn more about the Dolphin Dance Project, and see more of our videos on our YouTube channel.

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We were lucky to be working with a perfectly complimentary ensemble. Kathleen Fisher (previously featured in ‘Trio Corkscrew“) is an impeccably trained professional dancer with many years experience in the water, and a ‘natural’ at free diving. Jillian Rutledge, new to Dolphin Dance, is a trained free diver who is a ‘natural’ at the dance. Both have plenty of experience moving with wild dolphins in the ocean.

Perhaps, given all this experience, the surprising thing is that it took work and rehearsal to become coordinated! The dolphins make underwater coordination look effortless…but for the humans, it requires a real focused effort.

We worked not only on the technical aspects of diving and breath holding, but also on an approach to movement that honors an environment where the weight of our bodies is completely supported. We worked on expanding our peripheral vision and increasing our sensitivity to water flow on our skin, so we could ‘keep track’ of our fellow dancers, stay close to them, stay with them in their movement intentions. We danced on the beach, in the back yard of our rented apartment and of course, in the ocean. We regularly made 1 minute or longer dances that traversed a water column greater than 40 feet deep.

In some ways, it always felt as easeful and sensuous as it appears. But it is also a fact that no matter how warm the water, we were always freezing by the end of a rehearsal session. We were also often exhausted – working on limited oxygen can be profoundly tiring!

Just as important as the skills we honed was the development of our relationships. Working with an intention for ease, grace and harmony it felt very natural to develop a sweet camaraderie. I wonder if it is this way for the dolphins? They are always so gentle and generous with us. It is hard to resist imagining that the dolphins’ personalities may be shaped by their continuous practice of ease, grace and harmony in their every move.

We knew we had accomplished something when one day towards the end of our time together, as we made our long swim back to shore from rehearsing among ourselves in a bay where the dolphins had not appeared, we realized that we felt just as satisfied as if we had been dancing with the dolphins.

Posted by Chisa Hidaka

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Leaping into our first project last week, we felt a bit like this little baby dolphin, pink-bellied with excitement. Perhaps our ‘leaps’ were not as beautiful or complicated as the leaps of the older, more seasoned dolphins in the pod…but like this little one, we worked very hard and had a great time doing so!

This entry is the first trip report from our recent pilot project. In the coming weeks, I’ll be posting more stories, photos and video…please enjoy them all!

On this first project, we worked with hundreds of wild, Pacific Spinner Dolphins. How can I adequately thank them for their inspiration and likely unwitting, yet often quite willing participation? No matter how often I encounter them, I am always taken by what feels like their incredible generosity. The dolphins seem so accepting of us humans, despite our limitations. I hope that the footage we have shot shows this adequately, and helps to remind us all about the importance of accepting ourselves.

On one memorable morning, our boat was surrounded by a huge pod – we estimated about three hundred dolphins. Even the boat captain, who runs dolphin trips daily, was impressed by their sheer number. The surf was way up that morning; huge turquoise waves topped with whipping white froth crashed onto the ragged coastline. The dolphins seemed to be charged with the same energy as those huge waves, racing down the coast in great numbers. Stenella longiris are called ‘Spinners’ for a reason – and they demonstrated it with great exuberance that morning. We marveled as the dolphins made double, triple and even quadruple spins as they leapt into the air – bellies pink with excitement. Having made a series of multiple spin jumps, one dolphin spy hopped, pushing his face out of the water as if to take a bow. Of course, we clapped and cheered in appreciation. We whooped at the little baby dolphins who flopped head over tail as they leapt. We were all swept up in a moment of celebration.

Eddie was our captain that morning, and he skillfully ran the boat at just the right speed and in just the right position to keep pace with the energetic pod. (This is no small skill…sometimes you see tourist boats really chase the dolphins, and then you understand why we have the US Marine Mammal Protection Act!)  In seeming appreciation of Eddie’s sensitivity, the dolphins surrounded the boat, letting us feel that we had been invited to join the dolphin party. Groups of dolphins came to ride the bow, then swam off so another group could visit the boat. At one point, I leaned over the side, singing to my dolphin friends. A mother, baby and auntie swam near the boat whistling their own tune, perhaps in reply. Thank you, dolphins – for this and for so many beautiful moments last week, that gave us the opportunity to feel as if we could join in and feel joyously one with your spirited energy and the beauty of planet Earth!

I am also grateful for my crew who unquestioningly swam into uncharted waters with me last week. Producer and DP Loui Terrier had his keen eye (and camera) on everything from the moment we arrived at JFK airport on the way out of NYC. It was great to have Loui taking the lead on all things above water so that I could stay focused on the proceedings underwater. Thank you, Loui, for your expert collaboration! I’m looking forward to our continued efforts together!

Rick Osburn, a friend I met in Kona last year, stepped in to act as our excellent production coordinator. On the boat, Rick was always ready with a big warm towel – a beautiful Vancouver Olympic one, no less – to make sure I didn’t freeze between takes. Thanks to another friend, Scott Bibeault who generously lent us his truck for the week, Rick took us everywhere we wanted or needed to go….on the road (and on one occasion, even on the boat), Rick was our ‘captain’ and we’re thankful for that.

And it was wonderful to have Ben Harley join the trip at the last minute. Although he has been collaborating in all kinds of ways from early on, he wasn’t planning to come until he realized it would give me the opportunity to see how dolphins would respond to more than one dancer in the water. Without a title, he just lent his expertise where ever needed. His technical abilities were so helpful in managing our digital media and footage. He shot great photos (two right here and more to come!). And yes, he danced with dolphins with me…that was the best part. In the pilot film, you will mostly see me with the dolphins. But the few dances that Ben and I had with the dolphins really showed me the potential for directing a work with multiple dancers. It is already clear in my mind that the future group work will be even more beautiful and meaningful than the lovely pilot film on which we are working now.

Aside from all the practical assistance that Loui, Rick and Ben volunteered, they were also always there with gentle encouragement when things went wrong or I got stressed out (which was much more often than I ever expected!)…and I am ever so grateful for that. And thank you, guys for multiplying the joy when the dolphin dance grooved just as I had dreamed!

I also want to thank our expert underwater cinematographer Bryce Groark of Living Ocean Productions. Friends and fans – you will be blown away at the beautiful images that Bryce caught…sunlight in the water…and of course, dancing with the spirited dolphins.

I send thanks to our boat captains as well. I thank Eddie for our three hundred dolphin morning. And I thank Brett LeMaster and Leina Sato for going far beyond our expectations and really becoming a part of the Dolphin Dance Project. Aside from their involvement at our secret location, Brett and Leina usually run dolphin trips on the Kona coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. If you ever have the chance to visit Kona, don’t miss the opportunity to meet dolphins with Brett and Leina’s Mele Nai’a Dolphin Song. Brett is a champion free diver who still holds the North American record, having dived to over 200 feet on one breath. Leina is the dolphin guide, and both of them have a very special and beautiful connection with the ocean and with dolphins in particular. They can help you encounter dolphins in a way that is sensitive to their needs. Leina is working on a book and DVD about connecting with dolphins – so we had much in common. You might even see us in each other’s work very soon – so please stay tuned! Thank you, Brett and Leina – without your expertise and help, we would never have been able to capture the footage we wanted. I am deeply touched by your incredible support.

I also want to thank Annabel Edwards and Mayumi Marks – mermaids both – who generously offered me shelter in their homes in Hawaii after the shoot. Annabel was a student of Brett’s and she and daughter Jessica are the core of the US women’s free diving team. Over tasty fish tacos (Annabel speared the fish), we enjoyed receiving diving tips and exciting spear fishing stories. Mayumi is a spiritual healer, and she and husband Richard took me to swim with dolphins in Maui after my week of filming. What a lovely respite!

And let me not forget to thank the many of you who tried to keep in touch by email while I was on location…sorry for the delayed responses while I was without internet!

There is much more to tell…more photos to show…and of course, lost of video…and these are coming soon! For now, let me close this entry with a story about our last day of shooting – a session that was actually an extra day made possible thanks to Brett and Leina’s generosity.

Leina had organized a special trip, inviting her mother, Kasumi and her friend Patrice Levallois  to join. Wonderfully enlightened and creative souls, Kasumi and Patrice are collaborating on interesting projects, one of which has to do with the power of our intentions. As we readied ourselves for that final boat ride, Kasumi took me aside. Peering up at me, but seeming as though she could look into my heart, she asked me what my intention was for that morning. You must have a single focus, she told me…now, could I tell her what it is? I was caught off guard by her directness, but glad, in a way to have to affirm my intentions, for I had felt they had wandered unexpectedly during the preceding two days of shooting (more about our challenges in upcoming blogs!). I told Kasumi that I wanted to share a dance with the dolphins. She nodded at me, taking the role of a wise teacher, and reminded me that the dolphins and I must be as one. That is what is important, she repeated – becoming One. Yes, I agreed, I need to stay focused on creating harmony…between species, amongst humans, within myself…

Kasumi helped me focus on an incredibly powerful and helpful intention that morning. It seemed to unify the ‘human pod’ and helped us meet the dolphins with just the right attitude of playful collaboration. I have yet to review the footage from that day but it was wonderfully satisfying to end our filming with such a great session…harmonious humans and friendly dolphins!

I’ll stop here for now…but please stay tuned…more stories from the shoot and some sneak preview footage of the first dolphin dance will be on their way very soon!

Aloha, Chisa

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