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How do you think Christopher Bruce would have answered the question above with regard to why he choreographed Ghost Dances? What events motivated Christopher Bruce to choreograph Ghost Dancers? Elaborate on how Bruce used the production elements, music and movement vocabulary to build the characterisation and atmosphere of the following: The Ghosts The Dead (villagers) Select important background information on Christopher Bruce's professional career as a choreographer that may be included in a programme note. - NSC Dance Studies - Question 10 - 2016 - Paper 1
Question 10
How do you think Christopher Bruce would have answered the question above with regard to why he choreographed Ghost Dances? What events motivated Christopher Bruce ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:How do you think Christopher Bruce would have answered the question above with regard to why he choreographed Ghost Dances? What events motivated Christopher Bruce to choreograph Ghost Dancers? Elaborate on how Bruce used the production elements, music and movement vocabulary to build the characterisation and atmosphere of the following: The Ghosts The Dead (villagers) Select important background information on Christopher Bruce's professional career as a choreographer that may be included in a programme note. - NSC Dance Studies - Question 10 - 2016 - Paper 1
Step 1
How do you think Christopher Bruce would have answered the question above with regard to why he choreographed Ghost Dances?
Answer
Christopher Bruce would likely emphasize the significance of using dance as a form of social commentary. He would express that through 'Ghost Dances', he aimed to reflect the political oppression faced by the South American people, particularly during times of dictatorship. He believes that dance can transcend mere aesthetic beauty and engage with pressing human rights issues, facilitating a deeper understanding of these struggles.
Step 2
What events motivated Christopher Bruce to choreograph Ghost Dancers?
Answer
Christopher Bruce was motivated by the brutal political history of South America, particularly the impact of General Pinochet’s regime in Chile. The violent oppression and loss of lives during this period instigated his desire to depict these themes through dance. Influenced by the folk music of Victor Jara, Bruce aimed to highlight the resilience of those affected while memorializing the innocent lives lost to tyranny.
Step 3
Elaborate on how Bruce used the production elements, music and movement vocabulary to build the characterisation and atmosphere of the following:
Answer
Bruce's 'Ghost Dances' utilizes a powerful combination of production elements and movement vocabulary to create a haunting atmosphere.
The Ghosts: The ghosts are represented through the use of eerie costumes that cover the entire body, suggesting anonymity and collective suffering. The setting reflects the rocky Andean landscape, creating a stark backdrop that symbolizes the harsh realities faced by the victims. The movement vocabulary incorporates sharp, angular gestures, embodying the unease and tension of waiting for further victimization.
The Dead (villagers): The villagers are portrayed with more individualized movements, depicting their unique stories of loss and defiance. Bruce employs dynamic and expressive physicality to illustrate their struggles, and the incorporation of traditional South American music adds emotional depth, connecting the audience to their plight. This contrasting portrayal between the Ghosts and the Dead encapsulates the spectrum of despair and resilience.
Step 4
Select important background information on Christopher Bruce's professional career as a choreographer that may be included in a programme note.
Answer
Christopher Bruce has had a distinguished career as a choreographer, notable for his ability to intertwine dance with meaningful social and political themes. He originally trained at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance and later became a principal dancer with the Rambert Dance Company. His choreographic work often draws from personal and collective experiences, using dance to reflect on universal narratives of struggle and hope. Bruce’s works, including 'Ghost Dances', have been pivotal in changing perceptions of dance as an art form that can engage with critical issues, establishing him as a significant figure in contemporary dance.