ProjectSpace Residency: Riley McCallum – FESCH.TV

ProjectSpace Residency: Riley McCallum & FESCH.TV:

Riley McCallum
March – May 2023

Choreographer & Dancer, Riley McCallum’s project „Walk 4 Me“ was an interactive art experience exploring dance and technology, rooted in underground ballroom culture. In his ongoing exploration of immersive theater, Riley incorporated extended reality technology through his work. Reflective of an arcade, the space offered three interactive games imagined and designed by the artist. Participants explored the installation by observing or participating in various arcade games that used motion capture and telepresence to activate the user experience. The gaming characters were based on and designed using the elements found in dance styles of the underground ballroom culture. The exhibit also offered historic information as an educational tool on Ball culture, an underground, counterculture movement originating in the 1920’s and founded primarily by Black and Latin LGBTQ+ circles. Ball culture was established as a way to competitively express art, fashion, and dance while also building community and personal connections. Riley collaborated with another local dance artist, Tevin Jacobs, and together they hosted a series of open community dance classes which culminated in a Mini Ball as a way to share information about ball culture, demonstrate the 4 main categories of movement, and prepare those who are interested in „walking“ ready for balls in the future.

Video by Above the Beyond / Drake LeBlanc

The ProjectSpace Residency is supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council, as administered by the Acadiana Center for the Arts. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment of the Arts. Additional funding support provided by Lafayette Convention and Visitor’s Commission LVEF Fund.