Working on choreography for Alvin Ailey

In today's dance lesson, we had to explore some of the aspects that Alvin Ailey included in his famous dance piece, "Revelations". Some of the aspects included long extensions, contractions, use of dynamics and etc.

Dance Appreciation essay on Rooster and Dance Tek Warriors

In this body of work, I will be critically analysing the works of Rooster and Dance Tek Warriors while discussing the similarities and differences between the two pieces. Also, while discussing the contrasts of dance I wish to explore the starting point of both pieces and they’re inspiration.

Rooster was a piece that was choreographed by Christopher Bruce.  This piece was originally created for “ballet du grand Theatre” on the 10^th October 1991, performed by London Contemporary Dance Company. This piece was then performed by Rambert Dance Company in 1994. There are 10 dancers of which are 5 men and 5 women. The beginning of the piece was known to be inspired by amnesty international. The costume designer was Marian Bruce, who created the costumes to reflect the era 1960’s. The costumes of the male performers consisted of wearing velvet jackets of different colours which included maroon, brown, black, green, and blue. Also different colour shirts& ties accompanied with black trousers made to look like black jeans and black shoes. In comparison to, their female counterparts who wore simple dresses which were red/black accompanied with red neck scarfs for the painted black section. The set design of rooster is on an undecorated stage which is contained in a black box. The piece is performed on an empty stage which is a key feature of the dance; this allows the dancers space to perform.  Bruce is typically known for using themes parallel to current political issues, this is shown through his choice of musical accompaniment which feature songs recorded by the rolling stones. The choreographic intentions and dance styles behind Rooster were contemporary with elements of jazz with jerky sharp movements. He has created abstract pieces but even these pieces have a strong undercurrent of emotions.

Bruce also explores throughout the concept of what gender roles played during the early 1900’s. For instance, Rooster is based on the relationship between men and women. Men had more control and ascendency over women, they take on women as a piece of possession. For example, this was shown in the section of Ruby Tuesday of when she starts off with a fluent slow dance with hand gestures and arm movements. Which contains, of them touching her to show innocence and youth. Which turns into a group as four men enter behind her. Which demonstrates on how men are wanting to control her by taking her way by doing lifts and counter balances towards the end of the stage. Which reflects on Christopher Bruce’s whole idea on how that there are voiced concerns of society through gender.

Whereas, the other dance piece Dance Tek Warriors was choreographed by Michael Joseph, Doug Elkins and Charmaines Seet. This was danced by Union Dance Company of who presented the piece on the 12^th February 1998 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. The number of dancers that were performing in the dance piece was six dancers-3 men and 3 women. The starting point and stimulus of this dance is from the game tekkon. When, the company were on tour they were playing that game of which that they based the dance on it to tell a narrative. The costume designer is Ursula Bombshell with the men wearing white trousers and neutral colour t-shirt such as yellow and brown (loose fitted). Similarly, women had to neutral t-shirt (but more of tight fitted) as, there was a choreographer for the different pieces of the dance. Of who had the choreographic style of features of showing this dance through chapters in a narrative tone? Which explored having three separate choreographers which could tell a different aspect of the story of the dance. Such as the variations of themes which include spiritual warriors, tekkon game and freedom/hope. The staging of the dance as there are boundaries that are shown by small circles of light (especially at the beginning) or three identical pools on a diagonal across the stage. The composition of the dance is being displayed out through solo, duets, trios and quartets. For example, one couple performs a duet on one podium, while other individual dancers take one half of the duet and perform it on separate podiums. So, that the duet is simultaneously seen broken down as separate unison phrases.

For example, the lighting style of dance Tek warriors is that it has patterns. As, the light is being used to create lines and boxes from small too big. With the colours blue and gold used to create this contrasting effect of when the dancers use different dynamics and levels. For instance, this is shown when the orange light is on the dancer during her solo. The lighting was used to create this calm effect towards her dance, as there were fluent and slow movement quality and dynamic. Similarly, Rooster lighting is quite simplistic throughout the whole piece. For example, in the section of sympathy for the devil there is more complex lighting, as there are different cues which matches the dancer’s entrances/exits. Both pieces use lighting to highlight the dances and serve a purpose towards the dance. Lighting is one of the key aspects of the dance of which that it is used to capture the audience’s attention, it also reflects on the whole concept and the dynamic of the dance that it has to offer.

Dance tek warriors explore the concept of showing the journey to becoming a warrior. The important aspects and themes of dance tek warriors involve spiritual warriors, freedom/hope and the PlayStation game tekken. For example, in section 1 “Mass Equilibrium in the sea of Tranquillity” in the contact trio there was a use of different levels to create contact For example, fast low level turns with windmill arms and fall backwards into arms and rebound. Equally, they are transferring weight towards each other. Which also symbolises on how in tekken that the combatants constantly battle against running out of energy and power. Correspondingly, in rooster important aspects and themes involves political issues and the concerns of society involving gender roles. For example, in the section Ruby Tuesday it reconstructs the theme of how men are more dominant. This because it starts off as a solo dance of the female using repeated hand gestures in a flowing slow dynamic. Then, three men come and carry the women around using contact to display on how she is represented as a possession towards men.

In dance tek warriors the selected choices of accompaniment was electronic music. With a collective music of different tracks. Including various DJs and artists such as David Byrne, DJ shadows, Arrested Development and etc. For example, in the section Bright Flames in Dark Waters uses eclectic mix of music from different times and cultures. To create a dynamic field of how the music linked to theme. Whereas, in Rooster the certain choices of accompaniment were influenced by the 60’s involving songs recorded from the rolling stones. For example, in the section “little red rooster” the accompaniment choices highlight the choreographic intention. Of how there is a dreadful attitude towards women which was seen as nature to men. As, there is also a comparison between the strutting cockerel gestures and the man dressed up to go out. To highlight how men are seen as practical.

In dance tek warriors, the costume choices desired by the costume designer Ursula Bombshell included loose yoga pants, loose tops with neutral colours for both pants and bottoms and tight tops for women. For example, all the dancers do not exactly dress the same as the costume designer was intending them to be their own spiritual warriors. This displays individuality for each dancer. To serve a determination of the theme to the dance. However, in Rooster the costume choices desired by the costume designer Marian Bruce reflect rather than literally reproduce 1960’s dress. Through the men’s velvet jacket, colourful shirts and co-ordinated ties. While there is individuality and variation in the colourful costumes for the men, the women’s are identical.

In conclusion, both Rooster and Dance Tek Warriors explore the similarities and differences. This essay has established that both pieces are at different ends of the spectrum. This is shown through costume design, lighting, theme and set design. 

Evaluation of Grease Hand Jive

Some of the key elements of my self- application as a dancer. Of which includes having good attendance and punctuality. By having good attendance and punctuality has allowed me to be more disciplined. Also, it has allowed me to have more preparation within rehearsals and run through of the piece.

One of my strengths was accuracy of movement. For example, in the first section of the hand jive I was doing the movements to a fill extent. Also, making sure that the actions done are exactly the same as it was taught. For instance, this was by going over the videos knowing the counts with the movement. Another strength that I have noticed is control. For example, within my duet with Georgia , when we do contact work. Which includes lifts that I have to make sure, I maintain control when lifting her up. The use of me having good strength has helped me a lot, within the lifts/counter tensions. This was through practicing core and strengthening exercises, i.e. push ups and sit ups.

One of my weaknesses within this dance piece was my timing. For example, this was shown in the first half of the dance when I was doing the chopping movement. As, i was slightly out of time from everyone else. For instance, i should be hitting the set beat of the action. Another weakness that I have noticed is confidence. For example, sometimes within the dance that I would act slightly puzzled or confused. As, of this I should know instantly on what movements to do. In addition, knowing what I do is right. For example, one way of how i could work on timing is through listening to the music. Knowing when the beat would come in to hit on certain movement. Such as the chopping movement.

Evaluation of Dance tek warriors performance

A part of my application in dance is that I have good attendance and punctuality. For example, I am always on time to lessons. This identifies on my commitment and self discipline within dance. Sometimes, I come early to dance class to practice and rehearse. At the end of each lesson, I film myself to see the improvements. Also, on what I need to work on. Which is an key identification of how I set an good example as an dancer.

One of my strengths was the dynamic quality of each movement. For example, in the robotic section I displayed sharp movement through isolation's. This emphasises on how I have a strong sense of movement quality throughout the dance. The use of me improvising dance when I am at home has helped me with knowing when the music/beat comes in. To move in a certain way when the rhythm of the song changes. Another strength was my flexibility and leg extensions. For example, this was displayed through my duet with rosemary. When we hold our hands to lift our legs high to an great extent. By having balance, when lifting my leg high in the air, has helped me with the position that required flexibility. For example, doing daily stretching at home helped me with my extensions. Furthermore, practicing feet exercises such as demi pointe helped within my feet through extensions. 

However, one of my weaknesses included facial and bodily expressions. For example, in the dance piece i was not particularly showing facial features, such as smiling. This was due to how I was mostly spending time on focusing on what to do. In order, to show focus and concentration within the dance. One way of how I could work on facial expressions is by smiling in the mirror. Which I could everyday. Then, after six weeks I could get someone to film me to see if I have improved. Another weakness that i noticed was emphasis. For example, in the last section of dance tek when doing the arm movements. I've noticed that i could of made my arm movements and actions clearer. One way, of how I could work on emphasis is through practicing more core exercises. Which could include push ups and sit ups. 

Evaluation of Commercial Dance "Move"

In this body of dance element of move, there was different ways that I was able to show self efficiency. For example, I have good attendance and punctuality throughout all dance classes. By having good attendance and punctuality has allowed me to be more disciplined. As, I would be more focused and concentrated during the dance rehearsals and classes. This enables me to be more prepared for the dance. Which suggests on how that I am committed to the work/task that is given out.

One of my strengths of the piece was the dynamic quality of movement. For example, this was presented when I displayed sharp and jerky actions in the isolations. To furthermore show emphasises of each movement to create a symbolic approach. Of which creates a abstract aspect through the frame of pure movement. Another one of my strengths include dynamic of movement. For example, this is established in the beginning. When, I expressed and executed the way of how that the movement was performed. Through lifting our arms bent in a 90 degree when isolating our hips. The use of core and strengthening exercises has helped with this movement.

However, one of my weaknesses include facial and bodily expressions. For example, this is presented through out how I tend to not be smiling or showing that I am excited throughout. One way, of how I could work on facial expressions is by smiling through the mirror. Which I can practice everyday. Then, film myself doing the dance after rehearsals to see if I am improving. Within my facial and bodily expressions. As, I was mainly focusing on the movement and the timing. Another one of my weaknesses include projection. For example, in the first section of the piece. The use of the sharp actions were not embodied as clear through the movement. As, it needed to be portrayed as strong, sharp and quick. Through the use of the dynamics being displayed. For example, one way of how I could work on my projection is by filming myself doing the dance. To show how I know what I am doing at all times. Also, that I performed the movements with focus and use of facial features. For example, smiling and engaging with the performance.

Rehearsal process of dance tek warriors

In the process through going over the ending part for dance tek warriors in the theatre to go over the spacing. Some of my strengths were that i was showing a contrast with flowing and sharp movements during the section. Some of my weaknesses include making sure that I do not look at any one within the section as i should be looking forward to the audience and making sure that I know what I am doing at all times.

Rehearsals for dance tek warriors

During rehearsal time in costumes we were going through the dance tek warriors piece. In the process of rehearsing for dance tek warriors by strengths were use of fluency and dynamic field within all of my movements. However, some of my weaknesses contain the use of being sharp in my robotic movements and showing isolation in the robotic sequence. Which i would be working on during today and tomorrow in the full run of the dance work piece.