From stage to screen, the journey of a dancer is marked by the evolution of expression and storytelling. Alicia Steeves, a talented dancer and choreographer, has taken her artistry from the stage to the screen with her latest work, ‘In-Retrospect’. Directed, choreographed, and edited by Steeves herself, this short film showcases her ability to express deep emotions and tell a captivating story through dance. Steeves, along with dancer Spencer Schofield, brings to life the memory of two dancers and their journey of love over time. The film is a beautiful portrayal of the power of dance to convey complex emotions and narratives.
Alicia Steeves has carved a path for herself in this journey with her unique style and interpretation of dance.
‘In-Retrospect’ is a testament to Alicia Steeves’ creativity and artistic vision. Through her choreography, she has created a captivating dance that serves as a medium for expressing the story of these two dancers. Steeves’ ability to translate emotions into movement is evident in every step and gesture throughout the film. Her choreography beautifully captures the nuances of their relationship, from the tender moments of love to the struggles they face over time. It is a true testament to Steeves’ talent as a dancer and choreographer.
Watching Alicia Steeves’ film, the words of a well-known American choreographer, Mia Michaels, come to mind: ‘Dance is like poetry, flowing and free. When you dance, you are free in your body and free in your mind, and you can express emotions that are sometimes difficult to express with words. Dance allows you to communicate with the souls of others, to connect in a profound way and without barriers.’
Steeves’ choreography in ‘In-Retrospect’ is deeply evocative, mirroring the characters’ emotions and experiences. The narrative is woven through the intricate steps and movements, providing a visual representation of the characters’ journey. The film was recognized as an official selection at the New York Short Film Festival 2023 and was nominated for the Montreal Women’s Film Festival 2023, attesting to its artistic merit.
Alicia Steeves in a scene from her recent film ‘In Retrospect’
The recognition that ‘In-Retrospect’ has received is well-deserved. Being an official selection at the New York Short Film Festival and nominated for the Montreal Women’s Film Festival is a testament to the quality and impact of Steeves’ work. Her ability to express profound emotions and convey a compelling story through dance is truly remarkable.
In addition to her skills as a dancer and choreographer, Alicia Steeves also showcases her talent as a director in ‘In-Retrospect’. The film is visually stunning, thanks to Kay Prescott’s cinematography. She captures the dancers’ movements and the nuances of their expressions, translating the choreography into a cinematic language that resonates with viewers. Her lens brings to life Steeves’ vision, seamlessly bridging the gap between stage and screen. The vintage house setting adds an element of nostalgia and enhances the overall aesthetic of the film. Steeves’ direction ensures that every frame is carefully composed and visually appealing. The seamless editing by Steeves further enhances the storytelling and brings the dance to life on screen.
The setting of ‘In-Retrospect’ is a character in itself—an old house furnished in 70s décor provides an atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding story. An old television and a worn-out sofa fill the space, enhancing the vintage ambiance and setting a nostalgic tone. The house serves as more than just a location; it becomes a canvas on which Steeves and Schofield paint their dance.
‘In-Retrospect’ is not merely a dance film; it is an exploration of memory, time, and love. Steeves uses dance as a tool to delve into these themes, communicating complex emotions through physicality. Her performance alongside Schofield is poignant and powerful, bringing depth to their characters and authenticity to their narrative.
Overall, ‘In-Retrospect’ is an impressive showcase of Alicia Steeves’ talent as a dancer, choreographer, director, and editor. Through her creative vision and artistic expression, she brings to life the story of two dancers and their journey of love through dance. The film’s recognition at prestigious festivals further validates Steeves’ ability to captivate audiences with her unique brand of storytelling. ‘In-Retrospect’ is a testament to the power of dance as a form of artistic expression and its ability to transcend boundaries.
A surprising debut for a choreographer, Steeves is not the first choreographer to experiment as a director, just remember famous choreographer Angelin Preljocaj got behind the camera for the first time to make Polina, which he co-directed together with director Valérie Müller.
The transition from stage to screen is an intricate dance, an art that Alicia Steeves has mastered flawlessly. What can we expect in your next work? It will undoubtedly be a reflection of her boldness, her skill, and her profound understanding of the human narrative. To date, Alicia Steeves has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to transform dance into visual poetry that speaks to audiences on a profound level. As we await her subsequent work on dance, we can be confident of one thing: it will be a testament to Steeves’ artistic vision and her unwavering commitment to the evolution of dance.
