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Where does the title of this dance work come from? The title "Revelations" is derived from the concept of unveiling or revealing deeper truths, particularly related to the struggles and spiritual resilience of African Americans - NSC Dance Studies - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 6
Where does the title of this dance work come from? The title "Revelations" is derived from the concept of unveiling or revealing deeper truths, particularly related... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Where does the title of this dance work come from? The title "Revelations" is derived from the concept of unveiling or revealing deeper truths, particularly related to the struggles and spiritual resilience of African Americans - NSC Dance Studies - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Where does the title of this dance work come from?
Answer
The title "Revelations" is derived from the concept of unveiling or revealing deeper truths, particularly related to the struggles and spiritual resilience of African Americans. This thematic framework connects the work to its exploration of cultural identity and experiences.
Step 2
Revelations is divided into THREE sections. Name and describe each section.
Answer
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Pilgrim's Sorrow: This section displays the suffering of the people, their struggles, and resistance through simple yet powerful movements. It expresses an angry outcry against the oppression faced by Blacks in the 1930s.
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Take Me to the Water: This movement resembles a large group dance with a significant moment where the character represents spiritual cleansing. The river serves as a metaphor for healing and rebirth as movements transition into expressive solos against a backdrop of community.
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Move Members Move: This section culminates dramatically, showcasing a vibrant display of joy. The dancers transition from solemnity to bustling energy, emphasizing the resilience and celebratory spirit of the community.
Step 3
Give an explanation of the costumes used in each section.
Answer
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Pilgrim's Sorrow: The costumes feature colors of red, orange, and yellow, embodying the emotional weight of the section.
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Take Me to the Water: The dancers wear blue dresses with men in matching tops, symbolizing the tranquil yet powerful essence of water.
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Move Members Move: This section’s costumes are lively, with dancers in gold and yellow dresses, creating an energetic and cheerful atmosphere as they express joy through movement.
Step 4
Explain the music used in the dance work.
Answer
The dance incorporates traditional spiritual and gospel music that narrates themes of sadness, love, trouble, and deliverance. The music sets the emotional tone for the dances, enhancing the storytelling aspect and allowing the audience to connect deeply with the themes of struggle and hope expressed in the choreography.
Step 5
Provide information about the people who influenced Ailey’s choreographic style and the dance style used in Revelations.
Answer
Alvin Ailey’s dance style was shaped through influences from several key figures. Three notable influences include:
- Lester Horton: Known for techniques that emphasize bending and jumping, Horton encouraged Ailey to explore wide-ranging movements and styles.
- Martha Graham: Her focus on contraction and release profoundly impacted Ailey’s choreography, particularly in terms of expressing emotional depth through body movements.
- Jack Cole: A pioneer of jazz dance, his influence guided Ailey in integrating social dance elements while maintaining technical precision and fluidity in choreography.
Step 6
How did the choreographer bring the intended message of the dance work across to the audience through the use of symbolic movements?
Answer
- The dance unfolds as a narrative of emotions, starting with the struggle against oppression and evolving into themes of hope and celebration.
- Specific movements symbolize spiritual rituals, connecting the dancers' experiences to larger cultural themes.
- Ailey employs gestural phrases that convey the pleas and aspirations of the dancers, reinforcing the thematic resonance.
- The final section, featuring dancers in Sunday best, powerfully communicates community spirit and resilience against adversity using physical expressions, prayer movements, and symbolic gestures.