Dance in the Sun

synopsis

Through a dynamic motion of a man, we move from a dancing studio to the beach and the sand dunes. With his dance the man worships the sun which sheds light on his athletic body. Another dance film sketch by Shirley Clarke experiments with editing and sharp contrasts between the light and the dark, this time accompanied by piano music.

“The camera dances along with the performer and places emphasis on movements, gestures and the plasticity of his performance. The changes in spatial relationships occur without prior notice and the film’s distinctive form thematises movement in itself. Ralph Gilbert’s background music is not lyrical, but is used as raw material that draws attention to the dancer’s movement in space.” — Angelos Koutsourakis

biography

Shirley Clarke (1919–1997) was an American director and university teacher, initially a dancer and a choreographer. In the 1950s she made short films and later she directed various documentaries and feature films. She was active in the feminist movement and her work is often included in the New American Cinema.

more about film

director:

Shirley Clarke