Shemanski 1

Sidney Shemanski

Tamara Swank

Introduction to Jazz 1

May 3, 2021

Final Project Reflection Paper

I selected the song “Out of Love” by Alessia Cara. First, I had to decide what style of

dance I wanted to perform which was very easy for me. I loved when we learned the lyrical piece

“Angel” and I felt that was the easiest style for me that I was able to connect to. I feel like my

body just looks and feels more comfortable with a slower piece especially the movements

because of my long arms and legs. When I decided on a lyrical style, it was pretty hard to then

decide what song I wanted. I came to you with two different songs which you said might be hard

to count, so I figured I would give it a try. About two weeks ago I tried to start making up the

choreography for it and it was just too hard so I searched for more songs.

I was able to then select “Out of Love” which the counts were still difficult to do, but I

was able to work through it. It was especially hard because of how slow the song is and because I

am absolutely not a profession at counting based on my lack of experience. I chose this song

especially because I can really connect with it. I have listened to that song ever since it came out

in 2018 and it has always been one of my favorites. It is easy to be able to feel a song you really

like and can connect with when making up choreography for. I am not at all saying this project

was easy, but it would be easier than trying to dance to a song I didn’t know. Up until this point

I have been so excited to see what kind of dancer I would become throughout the course of the

semester. I was always nervous for the final project and I knew it would be challenging for me

because I am not too familiar with a lot of moves or choreography. In the beginning of the
 Shemanski 2

semester I had absolutely no idea what I was doing and I had no idea I would become the dancer

I am today.

To start the project, I figured out the counting which took a bit of time. I then was able to

break up the two minutes and make the choreography for a section at a time and record that

section. It was very difficult because I did the project on iMovie which didn't allow me to play

the song on iMovie. It allowed every other song except the one that I chose with my luck! I

wrote out the choreography as I made it up and then when I felt it was right to record, I recorded

myself for that section. I propped my computer up and my phone was resting on my computer

and I videotaped myself in regular camera roll. I had to hit play on my computer where the song

was playing so it would be able to be heard during the iMovie. After each section was written

out, practiced, and recorded, I was able to go back and edit each of the videos to make sure they

ran well together.

I made sure that every ending pose, I started with the pose for the next video. When I put

it all together in the iMovie I feel that everything ran smoothly and looked very good. It was less

than three minutes and more than two minutes which was perfect and I feel that I had a very

creative beginning. It took my boyfriend and I a few tries to get down the texting part while I

screen recorded, but it was able to be done. I feel that my final project will be very entertaining

even though I am not the best dancer in the world. The song just really captures people because

of the lyrics and the sad story it tells

I am happy I was able to complete this project with a lot of confidence as a dancer. I

certainly would not have been able to do this in the beginning of the semester. I am happy with

everything that I have learned through this course and I had such a great time being in your class.

Thank you for everything because this class will certainly be one to remember.