The Process of a Choreographer: A New Way to View Dance | Steven Butler | TEDxPasadena

Visual storyteller, Steven Butler, makes his living as a dancer, producer, and an artist, but what encompasses all of these passions is choreography. “I hate to break it to you, but you’re kinda watching dance all wrong. I know that you would look at me and tell me how much you love dance and love watching dancers, but what you really mean is ‘I love watching people be a spectacle for my enjoyment.’ I call this: Audience Entitlement...and I would like to suggest a new way to view dance.” Watch as Steven walks the audience through the creative process he uses to choreograph, delving into tone, style, and “synesthesia;” all to encourage a deeper look at the intent behind each piece of choreography we see.
Steven Butler is a multi-talented creative with an open mind, passion for storytelling, and aptitude for intersecting multiple art forms. He harbors the stage presence, confidence, and spatial awareness of a dancer; the storytelling ability of a seasoned writer and filmmaker; and the social responsibility of an informed artist. He received a Bachelor of Arts in film from ArtCenter College of Design.

[rowenamitchell]

There have been many times I’ve thought a song was mediocre just hearing it on the radio, until I watch the music [dance] video and all of a sudden, I love the song. Your demonstration of synesthesia - visualizing what the music looks like in 3D - totally nails this phenomenon :)

[soul-lifeinstitute]

This is just wonderful. I am a dancer and dance-maker, and I feel so honored to have the interiority of my experience honored. I love the idea of interrupting our “entitled” consumption of dance - or any art, for that matter - to open new portals of empathy, perspective, and understanding. This not only humanizes the performer, but also the viewer. Moreover, it can enrich the experience of both - potentially generating unforeseen modes and dimensions of expression and transformation. No longer shackled to codependent expectations, both the dancer and the viewer can be free to consider, to expand, to deepen, and to dream.

[thewokeabout]

Oh my. Loved the blending of synesthesia into his explanation. I’ve always thought this “imperfection” was a quality that allows many creative people to express the way they do.

[parthmittal]

One of the best TEDx talks I have seen among all the ones that speak of dance! So aptly and beautifully expressed.

[scaleonkhan]

9:36 that's really cool, I thought the song sounded okay but when dance was added it felt a lot more interesting

I love the ending too!

[AveryMsartistry]

It’s not about the tricks its the emotion in the work of art 💯💯❤️❤️❤️

[jayzie]

Steven you are so talented! I really enjoyed your Ted talk & learned a lot. Not only are you a terrific dancer, choreographer, teacher, film maker & artist, but a sweet, kind, lovely person. I'm so proud of all you have accomplished in so short a time!

[cdhuffman]

Amazing!!!! I just watched this twice to make sure I got all the info. 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 perfect

[jdub]

Packed with information and takeaways - I love seeing inside the mind of an artist. <3

[gregdahlen]

i wonder what percentage of people who watch dance already knew this. i definitely watch for the why rather than wow but don't know about others

[TheBrunchersPodcast]

I really enjoyed watching this! Great Job Steven 🥂

[APRILLKING-llyg]

Thank you for giving it Great couturial April L. King I would love to see more of your work

[carissaashly]

So proud of you! Super exciting to finally see this online. <3

[devineroseordialez]

Did need to be Dancer to cheoragper. I'm not good at dancing but great at cheoragper

[elektrozil]

Nothing but long, sour, scowling faces
after he called them
entitled..

[PsyCodeqz]

this is why you pay to learn from the masters, if you want to teach CG, move on