The Collaborative Fusion in Matt Steffanina's Choreography

Introduction

Matt Steffanina is known for his innovative and dynamic choreography that frequently blends various dance styles. A hallmark of his work is his ability to incorporate the unique elements of his collaborators' dance styles, leading to diverse and engaging performances. This article explores the ways in which he integrates these styles into his own choreography.

Details

• Adaptation of Dance Techniques

  • Matt often studies the foundational techniques of his collaborators’ styles.
    • This might involve understanding the subtleties of hip hop, locking, popping, or other forms.
    • By learning and breaking down these techniques, he can authentically incorporate them into his routines.
  • He showcases these techniques in a way that is both respectful and innovative, allowing the essence of each style to shine through.
    • For example, a popping movement may be blended fluidly into a groove-centric hip hop sequence.

• Infusion of Personal Flair

  • While integrating external styles, Matt adds his own unique flair and personal interpretations.
    • This may include signature movements that he has developed over the years.
    • He ensures that the final product showcases his personality while still honoring the styles of his collaborators.
  • His flair often serves to create a fresh perspective on established dance forms, breathing new life into traditional choreography.
    • For instance, he might use a contemporary feel to enhance a street dance style, making it more palatable for a broader audience.

• Collaboration with Diverse Dancers

  • Matt collaborates with dancers from various genres, which inspires him to think outside his usual style.
    • By engaging with dancers trained in jazz, ballet, or commercial dance, he gains new insights into movement.
    • This encourages him to incorporate rhythms or transitions that he wouldn't typically explore.
  • These collaborations often lead to the bridging of different dance communities, creating a dialogue between distinct styles.
    • For example, a piece might transition from a lyrical sequence to a fast-paced breakdancing motif, showcasing the contrast and harmony between the styles.

• Improvisation as a Tool for Integration

  • Improvisation is a vital part of how Matt combines different styles.
    • He often utilizes improvisational sessions with his collaborators to discover new movements and ideas.
    • These sessions allow for spontaneity that can result in groundbreaking choreography that reflects a mix of influences.
  • The improvisation process fosters a sense of trust and collaboration, allowing for a seamless blending of styles.
    • This can be seen in performances where the transition from one style to another feels organic rather than forced.

• Building a Narrative through Mixed Styles

  • Matt often uses a narrative approach that allows for the integration of various dance styles based on thematic expressions.
    • Dancers might switch styles as the story progresses, illustrating a character's emotional journey through movement.
    • Dance styles can also mirror the mood changes within a piece, contributing to a richer narrative experience.
  • Each style contributes a layer to the storytelling, making the choreography not just a series of movements but a cohesive performance piece.
    • For example, a light and airy contemporary section could evolve into a powerful, rhythm-heavy hip hop segment, signifying a shift in the character’s emotional state.

Conclusion

Matt Steffanina’s choreography showcases how collaboration can lead to a vibrant fusion of styles and techniques. By adapting dance techniques, infusing personal flair, engaging with diverse dancers, utilizing improvisation, and building narratives through mixed styles, he successfully integrates the contributions of his collaborators. This not only enhances his own creativity but also enriches the dance community as a whole, resulting in performances that are both unique and universally relatable.