Earlier today I found myself watching this video of Sia performing her hit song, Chandelier.
I found it extremely bizarre yet very interesting that she stands at the back of the stage to sing facing the wall, and lets the young dancer, Madison, take centre stage. Could this be seen as a performance or not? Some could argue that it is not a performance, as on shows such as 'Strictly Come Dancing, the singers are hardly shown, as they are merely backing up the dancers. This seems to be the way the song is presented, however this is Sia's song, not Madison's. It is quite clear that Sia is the artist and Madison is the dancer from the music video of this song. Does this mean the song is also Madisons? It is Sia's choice as an artist to not show her face, and it is an extremely interesting decision. Artists nowadays are constantly judged by their appearances, and a lot of artists will be turned down by record labels simply because they don't look the part. Sia is clearly trying to beat that idea, by not presenting herself physically very much. I appreciate this, as I myself have been turned down parts before for not having the right look. Sia Furler (2013) herself said that the media 'questions everything there is to question. Even things I had never thought to question. Things I had never dreamed of feeling insecure about'. She has made a conscious decision not to be a part of the media. In Gallo's article (2013) Sia said 'I don't care about commercial success, I get to do what I love and communicate whatever I want'.
As much as her ideas are intrinsically good, does this mean that her performance lacks in some ways? I feel that it is very important for the audience to connect with an artist. This can be achieved by the artist simply performing to their audience, and evoking emotions within them. Can Sia do this with her back turned? Obviously the dancer is there to turn the song into a performance, however it is almost like she is leaving it up to other people to perform.
After some research, I discovered that Sia co-wrote this song, which means she was fully involved with the production and performance of this piece.
In terms of my own musical performance, I would love to have a dancer to help tell my story. I think it is an excellent way of communicating a message, and adds some vibrancy and interest.
I found it extremely bizarre yet very interesting that she stands at the back of the stage to sing facing the wall, and lets the young dancer, Madison, take centre stage. Could this be seen as a performance or not? Some could argue that it is not a performance, as on shows such as 'Strictly Come Dancing, the singers are hardly shown, as they are merely backing up the dancers. This seems to be the way the song is presented, however this is Sia's song, not Madison's. It is quite clear that Sia is the artist and Madison is the dancer from the music video of this song. Does this mean the song is also Madisons? It is Sia's choice as an artist to not show her face, and it is an extremely interesting decision. Artists nowadays are constantly judged by their appearances, and a lot of artists will be turned down by record labels simply because they don't look the part. Sia is clearly trying to beat that idea, by not presenting herself physically very much. I appreciate this, as I myself have been turned down parts before for not having the right look. Sia Furler (2013) herself said that the media 'questions everything there is to question. Even things I had never thought to question. Things I had never dreamed of feeling insecure about'. She has made a conscious decision not to be a part of the media. In Gallo's article (2013) Sia said 'I don't care about commercial success, I get to do what I love and communicate whatever I want'.
As much as her ideas are intrinsically good, does this mean that her performance lacks in some ways? I feel that it is very important for the audience to connect with an artist. This can be achieved by the artist simply performing to their audience, and evoking emotions within them. Can Sia do this with her back turned? Obviously the dancer is there to turn the song into a performance, however it is almost like she is leaving it up to other people to perform.
After some research, I discovered that Sia co-wrote this song, which means she was fully involved with the production and performance of this piece.
In terms of my own musical performance, I would love to have a dancer to help tell my story. I think it is an excellent way of communicating a message, and adds some vibrancy and interest.
If you think dance is an inherent part of your song, and you can justify it and partially choreograph it- why not?
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