Release(Let go)- evaluation on dance work performance

Within this dance piece the technical requirements are a good sustained level of fluency,release,technique,flexibility,balance and performance also characterization of the dance. The strengths that i have of the dance let go is my fluency and sustained dancer throughout the dance. I showed characterization and development of performance and balance during the dance.

 For example, in the duets that we had in the dance let go, I showed sense of character and projection within the dance by looking more up, showing leg extension by making sure that my legs are stretched out and that they are straight. One of the ways that I showed my fluency is by in the beginning of the dance, within the first movements I made them flowed and linked together.

My weaknesses are that I need to show more extension in my arms. For example, during the first section of the dance my arms are not extended enough. As, that they need to be more straight and sharp when I was performing it.
Another weakness element that  I need noticed in the dance is that I need to show more performance and projection in the dance. For example, i need to show projection within the first part of the sequence. As i tended to look down and not always look up to show what i'm doing.

The improvements of my technique that i have noticed has improved is my leg extensions and my flexibility. For example, in the dance piece i am able to put my legs more higher and slowly i have noticed that it is getting better.
One of the targets that I have chosen to set for myself for the next term is show more performance and characterization by looking up more when performing(so that it shows i know what i am doing and stay focused throughout the dance).

 One of the weaknesses that i have discovered in the dance is to show more and demonstrate movement ideas/contribution to class production(independent contribution of ideas and to also give more of a response towards the stimulus). For example, i could show more contribution towards the purpose and intention of what the dance has to present which includes release and let go of every movement and suspense and extend each movement and make it bigger in the first part of the dance and to show more flowing movement in the dance to show fluency and release. In order, to show more bodily expressions of performed movements throughout the dance.

Evaluation-Rooster dance

My name is Natasha De-Graft Quansah, I am a dedicated dancer who was in the correct dance costume for the dance assessment, prepared to participate in the performance, been rehearsing over the dance piece. Also, I done a warm up so that my body is prepared and ready for the performance and is always on time and punctual to dance rehearsals/lessons.

The rooster dance piece required the technical elements of performance, characterization, projection, alignment and energy of the characters/dancers in the dance. Also, the dance needed attitude within the dance movements through the qualities of the movements and the qualities of the dynamics and actions that is being out within the groups of the dancers or the dancers dancing separately.

One of my strengths of the rooster dance was having good body alignment. For example, this was shown in the painted black motif as I was suspending into a tilt/lunge. As, I was holding myself correctly when dancing (showing great body control throughout the dance piece. Within the tilt/lunge my stomach muscles were engaged throughout, my knees were not locked because they were relaxed. My feet had to be in a parallel position when doing the tilt/lunge in the painted black section.

One of my strengths is showing the intention and meaning of the choreography. For example, this includes in the painted black section showing the meaning of the dance by being more elegant and tranquil. One way of how I could make my movements more elegant and tranquil is by practicing facial expressions in the mirror everyday-e.g. putting a smile on my face on the mirror, and by doing it every day it will help me to improve on self-expression and performance with my face. Also, to practice the dance in the mirror myself for rehearsing the dance piece. This could possibly include booking time for rehearsals

Also, incorporating the through the rhythmical cues in order to get the timing right. The strengths that I had in the dance rooster is a strong sustainment of technique and good quality in my flexibility and alignment in the dance. For example, in the painted black motif I had good alignment when it was sustaining and holding a balance and when in a duet in the painted black motif sustaining good balance and technique within my feet(it was pointed and not flexed).Also, it shows how I’m not showing balance and sustainment in the dance. By having good technique, I was able to perform the dance correctly and also it helped me execute my movements to a good extent.

One of my weaknesses of the rooster dance was that it was not showing enough of the rooster character. For example, before the painted black motif of when it was sliding on the floor I was not showing enough of the rooster character while doing that, which shows how I’m not representing the rooster how it should be presented as it is not showing a direct meaning to the dance. I have made improvements of my technique by practicing exercises which specifically helped me to improve my technique. Such as stretching more and doing the brush your feet exercise to help me with pointing my feet.

One of the targets that a have set to improve/work on for the next term is to work on more on my performance of the dance, by projecting more and not always looking down of when I perform. Another technical element which I need to improve on is interpretative skills which include facial and bodily expression which include showing intention and meaning of the purpose of the choreography of what it is trying to represent and show towards the audience. For example, when joined in the section "little red rooster" I was not showing enough facial expressions which decreased my lack in performance.

Furthermore, I need to show more response with the stimulus by in the section little red rooster I could show more engagement with the rooster type of character which trying to show by displaying rooster like characteristics being more cocky and jerky for myself to practice- which would help me with self-performance and self-belief. 

Another target, which I have chosen to work on and improve is my posture. For example, in the first section when I slide onto the floor, my body was not facing in the right angle. For that, I need to work on doing more core exercises such as crunches, sit ups, planks and etc. which will help me with my stomach muscles. Therefore, it will help with my posture more as by body should be positioned in the right direction. 

Today's rehearsals/performance

Today we had to keep on practicing the dance pieces and going over it to make sure that we know the movements and quality of the dynamics and more enthesis on the movement that we do(making the movements more bigger and finishing every movements off). In the rehearsals of the performance, before we actually done the performance. I needed to work on extending every movement and action that I perform and performing the dance(looking up,not looking too afraid or scared when performing the dance and simply enjoying the dance while performing it to the audience). My strengths are my flexibility and technique and execution of movements.

Rehearsals/preparation for dance performance

The dance rehearsals today in the studio for the dance work rooster was good. Today we were able to use the theatre to practice the spacing and movements of the dance. For example, we established the entrances and exits of the dance. So, the performance looks good and powerful. One of the key elements for improvement is that i need to show more performance and character within the piece and to interpret rooster more and find my own character within the sequence. In order to bring the dance more to life, through the quality of performance,movement and dynamics. For example, i could show a clear contrast of the dynamics within the motif painted black which has more of a feminine/sassy style to it, while little red rooster is more cocky and ambitious. Through the head gestures and arm movements.

Dance rehearsals for the dance work rooster

Release(let-go) dance rehearsals

Today in our dance rehearsals we were working on performance and making sure that we were getting the movements right. For example, we were going over the movements over and over again until we got it right. We had to go over each movements separately as a group, to make sure that we all got it right and that it was performed correctly with the right technique and precision. Also, we had to make sure that everyone performed with the same energy and performance. As, all of us are doing the dance and not only one of us. So, we had to make sure that the whole group was doing the dance the same. We also had to practice our duets in dance to make sure that we know what we are doing, and that both of us knew what we were doing to get into the duet and to exit the duet.

Evaluation on dance work-rooster(rehearsals)

Today's rehearsals is going good. Through the use of practicing the dance with the dynamics and quality of the movement that it is performed. I have a clear use of entrance within the dance piece, by using movements to enhance the structure and characteristics of the dance. To work on I need to show more energy and power within the dance. In order, to catch more people's attention. As, im not trying to perform the dance with a lack of energy and power which i know that i can produce in the movements and transitions which are given out.

Evaluation on the dance work rooster

This weeks class rehearsals and performance has been going good through the dance work, as im improving with the timing and quality of the movement. As, an improvement i have to work on the dynamics of the movement, in order to produce/create a effect of the dance piece.

Today's dance rehearsals for release(let-go)

In today's dance session/rehearsals we were all working on improving the duets in the lesson. By making sure that we have the right counts and movements. For example, in the beginning of the duets we both needed to know that the leap is straight, so we both needed to make sure that we had our legs are extended(needed good leg extensions and arm extensions as well). Also, we needed to show that we actually performed the dance well and that we tried to display/show movement and dynamic qualities within the dance. This dance piece needed to display release and letting go when we perform. But then to also to every time perform the dance with the correct timings and movements. So, all of us needed to show that we are practicing the dance.

This weeks dance rehearsals

In this weeks dance classes/rehearsals through practicing the dance work rooster and the warm up . Ive noticed the strengths that are is that my flexibility is slowly improving and im also having good leg extensions. To improve, i need to work on my dynamics and timing within the dance rooster.

Dance Appreciation

Dance Appreciation

In the begging of rooster, we hear the words “I am little red rooster “which was taken on by a male dancer which applies the characteristics of a rooster like animal. Through the social and political themes and influences of the dance is shown as a reflection of his own concerns and how he see things within the society during the 1960s, through men having more dominant and power than women which shows how the society was not treated fairly and there was not enough equality. As men had a higher social status and power than women because of how men are seen as more practical while women are seen as more of looking after the children and staying at home looking after the family (this is stereotypically seen). Even though his main concept of the dance is to create a piece which is shown as thrilling and in a powerful jerky way through the actions and dynamics such as the motif of the chicken of the rooster dance which emphasises how the rooster is very cocky and jerky and free of spirit. This dance work does not see a conflict between showcasing/creating interesting and big movements through the use of social and political issues. This uses a range of different starting points particularly through the use of the music and the literature which highlights/shows a significance of how Christopher Bruce is trying to tackle down these issues. One of the people who were a very strong influence who were installing very high standards and possibly show a significance towards the whole piece of the dance rooster. This dance is very independent through the use of the music which has a particular effect towards Christopher Bruce’s choreography. For example, in rooster the women were trying to show a sassy attitude towards the men as they used very articulate movements. This could show how women should be also seen as important not only men as everyone should be treated the same. The rolling stones music was used in the rooster dance piece as during the 70s Christopher Bruce became more aware of this existing music as he used to listen to it. The dance uses the rolling stones best songs. As the dance movements are smooth but sharp, the sharp gestures hits the beat which gives that sharp jerky type of feeling towards the dance. For example, both men and women use neck, leg and hand gestures in the backstage which all the dancers show the different types of characteristics of the rooster. His intentions behind the music is to celebrate the rolling stones. During this time the rights of males and females were in a slow phase of equalise. The use of the music, dance and the significance amount of hand and body gestures and costume creates a feeling of a Saturdays night out. Also, this shows how men try to take a significant advantage of women. For example, the use of the motif of men strutting cockered with its fine feathers this shows the image of men getting dressed up and ready. The use of the dancers being together well(for example, the dancers are all in sync together while doing the motif of the rooster dance-the motif of them representing/showing a chicken rooster type of animal). The relationship throughout the dance between men and women keep on changing. For example, a group of men doing the motif then afterwards a women comes along which changes the relationship that they have. This also shows how gender roles were one of the main aspects of the dance. Within the beginning of the dance it is showing how teenagers became more experimental in terms of sexuality and attitude. As an example, the 'rooster' approaches both male and female in a seductive type of manner made up of hip movements and isolations. Another of the key elements of the dance is during the female solo as she is almost skips and moves around playing with her hair as a child would do. Afterwards, male dancers then enter which could symbolise society throwing youth within this sexuality fuelled world which during the 60s that people lived upon. In addition, the motif of all the females using slow and sassy movements could show how the females wanted to show how the men should not be the only ones of who has to lead this. This emphasises how the gender roles keep on going back and forth as this was the time of change so women were finding areas in which they could possibly dominate and been also seen as powerful and not only men (as it should show both).But that does not happen as in the 1950’s women lived in a dominated society by men. As women were not worth that much, they were seen as inferior.

Peer assessment of the rooster dance

Biography of Christopher Bruce

Biography of Christopher Bruce

Christopher Bruce trained at the ballet Rambert School. He joined ballet rambert in 1963.He was an associate director of ballet rambert from 1975-1979 and in 1980 became choreographer. Later on in 2002 he became artistic director. Among all of this he is best known for some of his famous work such as ghost dances, cruel garden, swansong, rooster and etc. He mainly specialises in the dance styles of contemporary and ballet. The main occupations that he associates with are dancer, choreographer and producer of dance productions. He was born on October 3, 1945. He was an lead dancer in modern roles during 1966-1979. In the first ages of its past, the Company performed classical ballet, including the first UK performance of La Sylphide. To show a reflection of change, the name of the company was changed in 1987 to rambert Dance Company. Through his dance works he explores the conflict and reflection through his own concerns and difficult issues such as political issues. Some of the dances explore similar themes such as freedom and human rights. He is extremely known for his great success as a choreographer and also known for his great skills in ballet technique vocabulary and his use of social themes as a source of inspiration within the dance works. His style of movement is expressed very energetically and has that jerky type of feeling. During 1979-87 he has created over 20 works for the company. During later he was a part of London festival ballet(he was the choreographer). He was acknowledged in March 1993 when he received the international theatre institute award for excellence in international dance through the various types of dance works that he produced such as swansong or ghost dances which mainly portray social and political attitudes. He also won a scholarship to the ballet rambert dance school at the age of 13.During his career, he has choreographed for a wide range of productions including musicals, plays for the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company also which went out to television and various other network distributing of his work. Most of his dance work was based on contemporary dance. For example, through the dance rooster it featured many dance aspects of the dance contemporary through different types of movement and the consistent type of leg extensions and arm extensions while this dance gives a 60s vibe to it. Each of his dance works that he has created gives a different type of aspect through the social and political views based upon stereotypes of men and women. Of how that men are more dominant than women. At edinburgh international festival 2013 the company performed the shift dance movements of christopher bruce along side 16 other works as well. Also, he was increasingly in demand internationally as a choreographer as a choreographer,associate choreographer for rambert. The use of human rights themes have proven him with a strong source of inspiration. He wants his indigenous dance movements to give and show a meaning and to also represents many problems and situations that are happening on a regular basis which effect ordinary people.

Dance technique

My dance technique has been improving within the warm up/dance elements of which we focus on. It also shows how my flexibility has been improving through arm movements and my leg extensions. Another way of how my dance technique has been improving is by enlignment of how I balance and control my movements within the space and how I carry my actions.

How the dancers moves reinforce the dance piece rooster

The movements used through out the piece can be linked to the music and lyrics of the rolling stones. For example, there is a repeated motif in the dance Rooster strut – performed by the men- toes of one foot slide along the floor.This walk mimics the way cockerels move.
 Also, the male dancers repeat the perform grooming gestures. Several characteristic jumps including one that suggests a chicken trying to fly. Also everyday gestures (including a handshake) develop into more interesting movements. This creates a swaggy and jerky vibe to the movements. It also builds an atmosphere to a swinging 60s. All of these gestures are also repeated on the floor which both men and women do throughout the piece, which shows how they are using the same elements of movements constantly just changing the levels,directions,pathways and relationships. Which could suggest the choreographic intentions of rooster is to show the celebration of the 60s music, gender roles between men and women. Also, there movements have clear precise technique and clear inspiration of movements from the 60s. Within the dance piece Christopher Bruce keeps on changing the relationships in the dance from duets to group. He uses lots of contact work in duets to show the liveliness within the dancers and the whole concept of the dance and the movements.
 

Continued dance work about rooster

Dance work about rooster

Unit 45:Developing contemporary dance technique-peer assessment

Three movement principals

Swing and suspension- this was shown in the beginning of the dance starts off with a swing down towards the floor using your hands. Floor work- this is shown in the middle of the dance when we done the arm circle on the floor, to go into a swing on the floor, which shows suspension and power through the movement. Off balance-towards the end of the dance piece as we jump(the key whole jump) with a sustain hold in the air to show off balance within this complex movement