Danceable Fashion or Fashionable Dance: Either way, it works!

A Concept Paper Presented to Prof. Robert Rodriguez
Division of Humanities, College of Arts and Sciences
University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Miagao, Iloilo

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
For the Course in Communications 2

By
Nohr Malynne Tabares
February 5, 2013

There’s an exciting fashion trend happening – dance. The dance and fashion industries seem to be increasingly joining forces, with dance companies commissioning high profile designers and fashion labels turning to dancers to optimally show off their clothes. The collision of the worlds of fashion and dance creates alchemy beyond the reach of either one alone. Fashion is made to move in the world, and dance is extreme motion. The interaction between dance and fashion inspires new ideas for stories and forms of expression, and brings new audiences to both art forms.
This season, as the fashion industry becomes more competitive, a string of in-demand models with serious dance backgrounds literally have a leg up. At the same time, as the pages of this fall’s set of weighty magazines attest, professional dancers are influencing fashion in ways never seen before.
The pathway to becoming a dancer may vary, but most people start by taking classes at a local dance school. If the goal is to become a professional dancer, this is followed by auditioning for an organization that specializes in full-time dance training, completing an accredited course, and then taking part in an array of auditions for various companies or project work. The transition from being a person who dances for fun to a person who wishes to pursue dance as a career offers a mixture of challenges, rewards and in some cases disappointment. The competitive reality of gaining dance employment requires confident individuals who are physically, technically, artistically and socially equipped to sustain the standards associated with the profession. (The Australian Ballet, 2010)
For some people, dancing is their everything, wherein it is their way of exercising, expressing and meditating. It is also a reliable source of income. So many people do not believe they can dance. They think they are uncoordinated, have no rhythm and most of all, they assume the ability to dance is either something you have or you don’t. They see dancers as members of an unattainable and exclusive club of good posture, hours of practice and perfect young bodies with plenty of technique.
Dancers are often called the 'athletes of the arts' and like athletes they undergo years of hard physical training in pursuit of excellence. It is exhilarating watching human beings perform extraordinary and courageous physical feats. In dance, this energy is used to tell stories and convey ideas, creating very powerful experiences that can be dramatic, moving and even funny. (The Autralian Ballet, 2010) However, if you are one of those people who have always thought you had two left feet, or are just starting out, don’t allow any negative thoughts deprive you of the happiness that dancing brings. No matter what style: jazz, ballroom, belly dance or just plain shaking it to your favorite tune, dancing is one of the greatest joys in life. It can transform your attitude in a second and transport you into pure bliss. Dancing is for everyone.
On the other side of the coin, being a supermodel is somewhat the same as being a dancer wherein there are certain challenges that need to be surpassed and most importantly you should’ve the skills to become one.
Gracing the covers of Vogue magazine, parading the catwalks, travelling the world, being snapped by photographers constantly, oh these are just the wonders of being a supermodel. And who doesn't wish of becoming one? This job has all the perks. The star treatment, the attractive salary, the designer clothing, the great figure and desirable features, liaising with the rich and famous, being whisked off to exotic destinations. So many young women from all areas of the world aspire to become a supermodel and have the lifestyle they dream of. However, due to the appeal of the job role it is no wonder there is such stiff competition.
Being both dancer and a supermodel is quite difficult. But in today’s generation there are some people who are lucky enough to have these talents that some may not have even one of those. This people have that confidence and charisma to be able to combine the two major forces of arts that could influence the audience and the society as well. The people whom I talking about is Coco Rocha and Karlie Kloss they are powerful in their own ways through their talents and in that way could amazed us.
Introducing the beautiful, popular and charismatic supermodel and Irish dancer – Coco Rocha. Discovered at the young age of fourteen by agent Charles Stuart, Coco (born Mikhaila Rocha on September 10, 1988) had never considered modeling or fashion as particular interests, She is trained in ballet from age 4 and planned to become a professional dancer until she was spotted at an Irish dance competition in Vancouver, British Columbia, her hometown. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Coco grew up in Richmond, British Columbia. She has two siblings, and her parents are both in the airline industry. Coco says her parents are supportive of her career, if a bit out of touch. (Rota, 2011)
Did you know Coco Rocha used to be a serious Irish dancer? Yep, the illustrious model was jigging all over the place as a child and Irish dancing actually played a major part in propelling her modeling career. She was discovered at an Irish dance competition and became known as the Irish dancing model after Jean-Paul Gaultier asked her to jig down his runway in 2007. Apparently, Irish dance still holds a place in Coco‘s heart.
Coco Rocha is loved by the media and fashion industries. Her practice of Irish dancing has endeared her to both the general masses and industry giants, and her earthy appeal and classic looks have won her sought after contracts with cosmetic giants YSL and Rimmel.
Now, Coco is more focused in her modeling career as she is part of the 7 modeling agencies all over the globe and has walked down the runways of Marc Jacobs, Versace, Prada, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton, Anna Sui, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Balenciaga, and Jean Paul Gaultier. She has the talent frequently attributed to her background as a dancer and performer. (E-Money, 2012) She works regularly with the most important photographers including Steven Meisel, Patrick Demarchelier, Arthur Elgort, Nathaniel Goldberg, Mikael Jansson, Greg Kadel, Steven Klein, Annie Leibowitz, Peter Lindbergh, Craig McDean, Nick Night, David Sims, Mario Sorrenti, Solve Sundsbo, Inez Van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin. Her advertising campaigns include Christian Dior, Chanel, YSL Beaute, YSL Fragrance Elle, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, The Gap, PHI, Nicole Farhi and DeBeers. (Model Scouts, 2012) These are just some of the most famous names in the fashion industry and Coco being part of it was just exemplary. Who would have thought and seen a model doing an Irish dance in the runway and entered the fashion industry at the age of 14. Well, she is Coco Rocha both dancer and supermodel.
Karlie Elizabeth Kloss was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 3rd, 1992. Her family - her father - an emergency room doctor - mother, an artist, and three sisters - relocated to suburban town of St Louis, Missouri in 1995. Kloss began studying classical ballet at Caston's Ballet Academy in 2002 where her talent in dance improved tremendously. Kloss was discovered at the age of 13 by model scouts Jeff and Mary Clarke when she walked in a St Louis charity fashion runway show in 2005. (Vogue)
Karlie Kloss is an American model and 12-times Vogue cover girl. Since being discovered in 2005, at the age of just 13, Kloss's meteoric rise to success has seen her become a household name. With grounding in classical ballet, Kloss is famed for her mesmerising stage presence and unparalleled walk. "She moves like a cat. I love the way she walks. For me, it's more important than beauty," Carolina Herrera said in 2011. This poise translates to film as well. John Galliano has referred to her as a chameleon: "On set she smolders. She becomes this other creature in front of the lens." (Vogue)
Once just another little girl with big dreams of being a ballet dancer, growing up in St. Louis, Montana, Karlie Kloss is just like Coco Rocha that they haven’t expected this kind of path they would’ve walked and be known in the fashion industry worldwide. The young fashion model’s entrance into the big leagues has of course led to a crossfire of rumors and criticism but, like a free spirit, Karlie has brushed off the negativity and gotten right back on her feet, quite literally sometimes. She has taken painful-looking falls on the runway walking for Fendi and Prada and, like a true supermodel, the skillful Karlie rose to her feet each time to finish her walk gracefully. That is normal in the life of a supermodel, there are ups and downs.
Little do we know that there are still people that exists with these amazing and one of a kind talents. Hence, fashionable dance or danceable fashion, either way it works.

Works Cited
E-Money. (2012, February 23). Coco Rocha Dances: White House | Black Market Spring Commercial. Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www.yourstrulybrand.com/2012/coco-rocha-tap-dances-white-house-black-market-spring-commercial/
Model Scouts. (2012). Model Scouts Talks to Supermodel Coco Rocha. Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www.modelscouts.com/news/model-scouts-talks-supermodel-coco-rocha
Rota, K. (2011, June 28). Retrieved January 26, 2013, from http://www.irishcentral.com/irishdance/Coco-rocks-the-runway-45883627.html
The Australian Ballet. (2010). The Autralian Ballet: Becoming a dancer. Retrieved February 2, 2013, from http://www.australianballet.com.au/participate/becoming_a_dancer
The Autralian Ballet. (2010). The Autralian Ballet: About Dancers. Retrieved February 2, 2013, from http://www.australianballet.com.au/participate/about_dancers
Vogue. (n.d.). Karlie Kloss (Vogue.com UK). Retrieved January 28, 2013, from http://www.vogue.co.uk/person/karlie-kloss