February 6, 2008

Internet Dance Videos Ought to Be Very, Very Long

When you talk to people about how long web videos ought to be, most will say they should be about 3-5 minutes. At this length, viewers will pay attention long enough to actually watch the entire clip.

But is this really a valid premise when it comes to dance videos?

I doubt it.

I think a good starting point is to figure out how new types of helpful and interesting dance videos can be created for the Internet that will better enable viewers to relate to, connect with, experience and learn about dance in new ways.

So here's one very specific example of what I'm getting at--one based on my emerging obsession with Argentine Tango.

The "walk" is the most important foundation block of tango. I would be delighted to come across a long video, maybe 30 to 60 minutes in length, that demonstrated and described how to walk. I'd like to see examples of both leaders and followers walking, each shot from multiple angles. I'd like to see the instructors demonstrate different styles of walking to various genres of tango music. I'd like to get lots of tips about balance and the changing of weight from one leg to the other. I'd like advice about how to develop one's own walking style. And, finally, I'd like to be given exercises so I can practice my walk for the next year.

The problem with tango classes is that there is just not enough time for this extended focus on walking. The beauty of video is that instructors can delve into the challenges and possibilities of walking for a large online audience of tango dancers around the world who would appreciate this type of focused guidance.

The video still has to be interesting and well made to capture the attention of viewers. But starting with the premise that videos have to be short may not be a good point of departure.

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