Photo AI
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. 9.1 Des... 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 began during the late 1980s in Soweto, amidst the political unrest of the time. Dance provided an escape from the growing tension in the community. I first ventured into dance by responding to an advertisement in the Sowetan newspaper for auditions at the Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM). My early influences were notable pop stars like Michael Jackson, whose performances ignited my passion for movement and expression.
Step 2
Describe your professional career as a dancer/choreographer.
Answer
I started my professional journey under the mentorship of Sylvia Glasser at MIDM, where I underwent my formal training. Subsequently, I received a scholarship that enabled me to hone my skills at the Performing Arts Research and Training School (PARTS) in Belgium. In 1999, I founded the Vuyani Dance Theatre (VDT) in Belgium, which expanded my reach as a choreographer. I have held choreographic positions for significant events, including the FIFA World Cup kick-off event and directed the Afro-Vibes festival in the Netherlands. Additionally, I have worked with various esteemed dance companies across South Africa and established myself as an internationally recognized artist in the dance community.
Step 3
Outline your contribution to dance and society.
Answer
My contributions to dance extend beyond choreography. I actively engage in programs that empower young talent from diverse backgrounds. Through established initiatives, I utilize dance as a platform for social change, addressing significant issues and human values. I strive to communicate the rich tapestry of contemporary African culture through my work while influencing young minds in their artistic endeavors.
Step 4
Describe how you used production elements to show the different themes in 'Spring' and 'Autumn', as shown in the images below.
Answer
In 'Spring,' the dancers' costumes were inspired by pastel shades like yellow and pink, symbolizing new beginnings and the vibrancy of life. The lighting techniques employed created a joyful ambiance, enhancing the theme of renewal. Conversely, in 'Autumn,' the costumes reflected the dry, fading leaves with muted tones that evoked a sense of loss. The use of gold shift dresses and the projection of bare trees reinforced the theme of transition and vulnerability inherent in the changing seasons.
Step 5
Explain how the music enhanced Four Seasons.
Answer
The musical score enhancing 'Four Seasons' included a blend of live musicians playing violins, cellos, and bass guitars, setting an evocative tone. Each season's mood was intricately reflected through the music; for example, during Winter, the musicians captured the desolation with haunting melodies while Spring had lively rhythms that uplifted the dancers. The music helped to build atmosphere, connecting each dance sequence to the emotional states portrayed.
Step 6
Explain the movement vocabulary used in this dance work.
Answer
The movement vocabulary in 'Four Seasons' drew heavily from contemporary African styles, employing sharp and angular movements for an expressive portrayal of themes. Each season inspired various techniques; for instance, Winter featured harsh lines and clear defined shapes, while Spring embraced fluidity and joy through flowing gestures. The dancers' bodies expressed responses to the environmental shifts, creating an immersive experience for the audience.
Step 7
In your opinion, what makes Four Seasons such a relevant dance work in today's society?
Answer
In the modern context, 'Four Seasons' resonates due to its inherent commentary on nature and societal challenges. The work highlights climate change and the impact of human actions on our planet. It serves as a reminder of our responsibilities while also conveying hope through the cyclical beauty of nature. The themes of survival and resilience epitomized by the seasons have profound relevance, urging audiences to reflect on their relationship with the environment.