Can one hand say a lot? It can when the hand belongs to Dieter Lische-Parkes.
The dance major, who graduated from Sudbury Secondary School this year, was challenged to choreograph a routine with one hand.
Lische-Parkes drew inspiration from Black Lives Matter, Pride and lived experiences to create a moving work of art with a meaningful message.
Lische-Parkes choreographed, wrote, filmed, edited and narrated the video at home as part of a distance learning assignment.
Watch the compelling video above.
"My nails are painted black to represent the wall that we as human beings put up," Lische-Parkes said in a press release. "And when the colour comes off of them, it's to represent the emotions and truth behind it. When my nails look battered and beaten, it's to represent the scars society has left on the world."
Sudbury Secondary teacher Sarah Viljanmaa said the one hand choreography was no easy task.
"Students were asked to research hand composition and how performance artists and dance companies use forms and elements of the genre to create compelling stories,” Viljanmaa said.
"The challenge for students was to step outside of their comfort zone to convey a message without the flexibility of using their whole body. As dancers, students were unfamiliar with this style of movement and found the challenge of experimenting with an artform so unique from their own to be exciting and inspiring."
"Dieter is a wonderfully talented student that I will be sad to see leave for post secondary, but I know he will be reaching greater goals and developing his artistry as he moves on to the next level of training, education and exposure in the arts."
Now that Dieter Lische-Parkes has completed his studies as a dance, drama and vocal major, he will be entering a new stage this fall by continuing his passion of the performing arts at George Brown College.
