Causal Logic

In November 2018 Causal Logic, choreographed by Emma Valeria Girandola, premiered at Conwell Dance Theatre at Temple University. Following its premiere, Causal Logic was selected to be presented at the 2019 DUMBO Dance Festival in Brooklyn, New York, hosted by WHITEWAVE Dance. From there, Causal Logic was again selected to perform at the 2020 Spring to Dance Festival in St. Louis, hosted by Dance St. Louis. Although this festival was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic, we are honored to have been selected and hope to someday perform at this festival.

‘Causal logic’ is best defined as the relationship between condition and consequence, with one leading to the other.  Causal Logic, choreographed by Emma Valeria Girandola, applies this concept to the inner workings of the stereotypical nuclear family unit.  Through a combination of sequenced movement paired with guided improvisation, the work is performed by three dancers that represent the stereotypical nuclear family unit: a father, a mother, and a daughter. In the piece, a mattress represents home-base for the family.  In life, a mattress is where the day and life begins and ends.  Within our society, there is a repetitive cycle of learned behavior across each generation.  We see different morals, values, and behavioral patterns transferred to new generations from the previous.  In a child’s adolescent stage, how much parental guidance becomes manipulation?  And, how much ignorance becomes neglect?  How does this influence affect this child in their adulthood?