Saved, by becoming a slave to the rhythm!

• Main Author: Holland, Duane Lee, Jr
• Other Authors: Kowal, Rebekah J.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: University of Iowa 2015
• Subjects: publicabstract; Community; Dance; Frankie Knuckles; House; Larry Levan; Paradise Garage
• Online Access: https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1630; https://ir.uiowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5682&context=etd

Saved, By Becoming a Slave to the Rhythm!, is a choreographic work that demonstrates how an individual finds purpose through a rite of passage filled with freedom, music, and movement of the House dancing scene. Saved, reveals how DJ Larry Levan gained recognition from the community of the Paradise Garage Club, as one of the best DJs of his time. The work is split into three sections community, individual, and movement. The community section highlights the universal love, freedom, and multiculturalism of Paradise Garage that was generated by the charismatic control of Larry Levan's DJ mastery. Levan's charismatic mastery is what moved the Paradise Garage community to deem him one of the best DJs in House music history. The community section transitions into the individual section. The individual section showcases the demons of Levan's life. A solo, performed to the words of Levan's best friend, Frankie Knuckles, displays how his excessive lifestyle of drugs and sex became the key to his demise. The third section is an homage to Larry Levan, and members of the Paradise Garage community whom have passed on. I title this section the movement section, because it unveils the progression and stability of the House dance community. In addition to this cultural stability, the movement terminology of House dance is solidified. I want the audience to leave Saved, By Becoming a Slave to the Rhythm!, inspired to search for their purpose in life, find it, and live it lovingly, joyfully, and peacefully.