Exhibition Statement

Introduction

When you think of how dancers express themselves the first thing that probably comes to mind is through their movement. However, without properly warming up, dancers are more prone to injury and won’t be able to move expressively. One solution to this is for dancers to wear warm ups that both prevent injury and serve as a form of self expression. This project combines the artists’ passions for dance, crocheting, and fashion to make a collection of knit dancewear. This collection contains 10 items, all of which were created using an application of anatomical research. How can anatomical research be applied to the design of a collection of crochet dance warm ups to help dancers prevent injuries and increase performance potential?

Literature Review

When researching the various muscles used in dance, findings supported that most of the muscles attach at multiple locations of the body (Whiting et.al., 2019, pp.149-178). For example, the gluteus maximus originates at the dorsal ilium, sacrum, and coccyx, and inserts in the gluteal tuberosity of the femur and iliotibial tract. Since many of the major muscles used in dance spread across the body, the artist decided to make interchangeable pieces that collectively cover the entire body. The artist took inspiration from various dance-wear companies such as Yumiko and Body Wrappers. Yumiko has customizable color blocked leotards which inspired the artist to make colorful pieces (Yumiko Handmade Dancewear). Body Wrappers has baggier style warm ups, which inspired the artist to make baggy items (Body Wrappers). Additionally, the artist took fashion inspiration from professional dancers such as Stanislava Postnova and Isabella Boylston on Instagram (Instagram 1) (Instagram 2).

Methods

This project used crocheting with 100% acrylic and a mohair and silk blend yarn. All of the pieces were created using freehand technique with either single stitch, double stitch, triple stitch, rib stitch, or slip stitch. Prototypes/swatches were created to compare different materials. Anatomical research was conducted throughout the project using an anatomy lab manual. Lastly, the items were photographed on the artist on a Canon camera and were edited using Mac software.

Audience & Impact

This project is targeted towards dancers. The anatomical research was specifically conducted to evaluate the muscles used in dance. This project aims to encourage dancers to wear dance warm ups to serve as a form of injury prevention. Therefore, it will help dancers improve performance potential. It will also encourage dancers to wear warm ups as a form of self expression. The intended impact for the artist is to gain anatomical knowledge with a dance application and to combine dance and kinesiology majors. The pieces in the collection will also be used by the artist; therefore, the items will serve as a form of injury prevention and self expression for the artist. The artist also intends on becoming a Physical Therapist, so the gained anatomical knowledge can be used to help future patients.

References

“Body Wrappers.” Body Wrappers, https://bodywrappers.com/. 

Instagram 1, https://www.instagram.com/isabellaboylston/. 

Instagram 2, https://www.instagram.com/ruby.tear/. 

Whiting, Catharine C., and Karen L. Keller. Human Anatomy & Physiology Laboratory Manual: Making Connections: Main Version, 12th ed., Pearson, New York, 2019, pp. 149–178.

Yumiko Handmade Dancewear - Yumiko Dancewear, https://www.yumiko.com/us_en/. 

Acknowledgements

Thank you to my faculty advisor, Heather, for aiding me through my artistic process. Thank you to my fellow Arts Scholars students for providing me with feedback throughout my process. Thank you to my friends for supporting me along the way. Lastly, thank you to my mom for supporting me and providing me with materials for my project.