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Write an article for a dance magazine elaborating on how Alfred Hinkel used his dance work, Bolero/Last Dance, to change the face of dance in South Africa - NSC Dance Studies - Question 11 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 11
Write an article for a dance magazine elaborating on how Alfred Hinkel used his dance work, Bolero/Last Dance, to change the face of dance in South Africa. Include ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Write an article for a dance magazine elaborating on how Alfred Hinkel used his dance work, Bolero/Last Dance, to change the face of dance in South Africa - NSC Dance Studies - Question 11 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe the sociopolitical influences that led to the development of this dance work.
Answer
Alfred Hinkel's dance work, Bolero/Last Dance, emerged from the sociopolitical context of South Africa during the late 20th century. The dance reflects the challenges faced by the Colored community, particularly highlighting its struggles due to racial segregation policies. Hinkel’s experiences teaching in Colored communities inspired him to create a work that represented their narratives and fought against the oppressive structures of apartheid.
The choreography also comments on the Immorality Act and exposes the injustices faced by interracial couples. Hinkel’s work resonated strongly during a time marked by the struggle for freedom and culminated in performances that were both poignant and reflective of societal tensions, especially during the declaration of a national state of emergency due to violence.
Step 2
Give specific examples of how the music and production elements were used to complement this dance work.
Answer
The music for Bolero/Last Dance is integral to its impact, featuring a full orchestra that evolves with the piece. Initially, a simple drum pattern establishes a steady rhythm that layers more instruments as the dance progresses, effectively enhancing the emotional depth of the choreography.
Towards the climax, the piece features moments of silence to emphasize the dramatic turn in the narrative, mirroring the dancers' escalating intensity. The lighting remains consistent across performances, creating a unified atmosphere throughout the work. Notably, the use of gumboots as a focal element not only added a distinctive sound but also served to connect the dance to South African culture, enriching the overall experience.
Step 3
Elaborate on the characteristics of Hinkel's dance style.
Answer
Hinkel’s dance style is innovative in that it combines traditional African elements with contemporary techniques. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling through movement, often drawing from his own training methods to cultivate talent within underprivileged communities.
His choreography often incorporates release technique, which emphasizes flow, weight, and gravity, allowing dancers to express emotional narratives. Hinkel also demonstrates a commitment to authenticity by featuring a collaborative process with dancers, ensuring their individual backgrounds and experiences are integrated into the performance, thereby creating a tapestry of narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.
Step 4
Evaluate what made this dance work so innovative for its time.
Answer
Bolero/Last Dance stands out as a groundbreaking work due to its bold commentary on the South African sociopolitical climate while drawing attention to issues of race and identity. At the time of its release, many works either shied away from such topics or presented them in a less direct manner.
Hinkel’s decision to incorporate gumboot dancing and authentic South African rhythms not only celebrated local culture but also challenged the preconceived notions of what dance could portray. The innovative use of music and physicality to convey deep, often painful realities made Bolero a significant contribution to the discourse on race and societal structures during a time of immense change in South Africa.