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Imagine you are Gregory Maqoma and you are being interviewed - NSC Dance Studies - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 9
Imagine you are Gregory Maqoma and you are being interviewed. Answer the following questions. Marks will be awarded for the correct format for an interview. Correct... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Imagine you are Gregory Maqoma and you are being interviewed - NSC Dance Studies - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how your interest in dance started.
Answer
My interest in dance was sparked during the political unrest in the late 1980s in Soweto. At that time, many young people were feeling the pressure of societal tensions. Dance became an escape for me, allowing creative expression amidst the turmoil. I remember seeing an advertisement in the Sowetan newspaper about auditions at Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM). This opportunity opened doors for me, and I was particularly inspired by pop icons like Michael Jackson, whose movement and passion resonated deeply with me.
Step 2
Describe your professional career as a dancer/choreographer.
Answer
I began my professional career under the mentorship of Sylvia Glasser, who was instrumental at Moving into Dance Mophatong. After my initial training, I was awarded a scholarship to the Performing Arts Research and Training School (PARTS) in Belgium. In 1999, I founded the Vuyani Dance Theatre in Belgium, where I choreographed various pieces. I have worked with numerous dance companies across South Africa, including Jazzart Dance Theatre and the South African Ballet Theatre. My career has also led me to international platforms, making me a sought-after choreographer globally.
Step 3
Outline your contribution to dance and society.
Answer
Throughout my career, I've been committed to developing and nurturing young talent. I utilize dance as a means of establishing artistic directions that communicate deeper social issues and values. Additionally, I focus on initiatives that promote contemporary African dance, making significant contributions to cultural conversations both locally and internationally.
Step 4
Describe how you used production elements to show the different themes in 'Spring' and 'Autumn'.
Answer
In 'Spring', the vibrant costumes in pastel shades symbolized new beginnings, mirroring themes of rejuvenation and joy. The thematic use of lighting changed throughout the performance, enhancing the dancers' movements to evoke the feeling of life blossoming. Conversely, in 'Autumn', costumes reflected the ephemeral nature of life, featuring earthy tones. The choreography depicted struggle against the harsh realities of life and loss, with elements such as dry leaves projected onto the stage to reinforce the narrative.
Step 5
Explain how the music enhanced Four Seasons.
Answer
The music in 'Four Seasons' played a pivotal role in setting the emotional tone across various sections. Instrumentation was carefully selected—string instruments formed the backbone while rhythm was driven by percussion. The music created contrasting atmospheres, with poignant melodies in Autumn reflecting nostalgia, while Winter's score conveyed isolation and desolation. The musicians were strategically placed on stage, sometimes hidden, to build tension and enhance the audience's connection to the dancers' movements.
Step 6
Explain the movement vocabulary used in this dance work.
Answer
The movement vocabulary in 'Four Seasons' draws from contemporary African dance styles, incorporating sharp, angular forms that reflect emotional states. Each season used distinct movements: Spring featured energetic and joyous bursts, while Autumn presented more grounded and sweeping motions, representing loss and struggle. This dimensionality in movement allows the audience to experience the story on both aesthetic and emotional levels.
Step 7
In your opinion, what makes Four Seasons such a relevant dance work in today’s society?
Answer
Today’s societal issues, from climate change to social injustice, resonate deeply in 'Four Seasons'. The work is not merely an artistic expression; it serves as a commentary on the cycles of life and environmental concerns. By highlighting the importance of nature's rhythms, it engages audiences in discussions about sustainability and our collective future, reminding us that our actions matter in shaping this world.