(1968-1969)  Psychedelic Dance was created by Maida Withers with GW undergraduate dancers performing.  A new technique involved oil, cake coloring mixed in water, in a clear glass mixing bowl.  This projection technique was made possible with water, coloring, and oil in a clear glass bowl that was hand-held and maneuvered with the result of color and blobs projected on the bodies of dancers using an overhead projector.  This and other phenomena of dance and interactive technology were explored by the 60s generation.  This was an early version of dance and technology.

Psychedelic Dance was invited to be presented “live” on Channel 4, NBC-TV.  When we arrived at the television station in Washington, DC,  the production staff insisted on manipulating the clear glass bowl holding the oil/water.  The TV station refused to allow our technical staff because our technical production artist was NOT a television union member.  The program went on with the stage-hand manipulating the oil/water/coloring and projection on the choreography. Television technicians did not have the skill of the practiced artist in creating unusual patterns through projection.

water/coloring projection.

Jim Bunting and Jeanne Jones

Psychedelic Dance was evidence of our interest in experimentation and engagement across artistic disciplines.

The 1960s was an important period of experimentation, cross-disciplinary engagement and other explorations that created a “revolutionary” environment for artists. Dance Construction Company goals and artistic practice were in leadership and alignment with experimentation.
See interesting notes in file about violence in America (Kennedy family, race, other).

Photos: Jim Bunting, Julia Hart,  Jeanne Jones, others

Jim Bunting and Jeanne Jones