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10.1 Give the name of the international choreographer that you have chosen - NSC Dance Studies - Question 10 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 10
10.1 Give the name of the international choreographer that you have chosen. 10.1.1 Give FIVE major influences that shaped the choreographer's personal and/or profes... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:10.1 Give the name of the international choreographer that you have chosen - NSC Dance Studies - Question 10 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
Give FIVE major influences that shaped the choreographer's personal and/or professional life.
Answer
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Childhood Background: Forsythe's upbringing in a family involved in the arts shaped his early exposure to dance.
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Artistic Influences: Influences from other artists in diverse genres provided him with a broad spectrum of styles to draw from.
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Mentorship: Guidance from established choreographers allowed him to hone his craft and develop his unique style.
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Political Context: The socio-political environment during his formative years influenced his creative expression and themes in his work.
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Training and Education: Formal training in dance provided him with the technical foundation necessary to innovate within the field.
Step 3
Analyse the choreographer's impact on the dance scene.
Answer
William Forsythe dramatically transformed the contemporary dance landscape by:
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Creating New Dance Companies: This provided new opportunities for dancers and introduced fresh works into the repertoire.
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Fusing Genres: His blending of classical ballet with contemporary dance opened pathways for new interpretations and styles within the audience.
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Embracing Technology: Innovations in staging and integrating multimedia into dance performances changed how dance was perceived and accessed.
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Social Awareness: Forsythe's works often tackled complex social issues, raising awareness within the dance community.
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Encouraging Emerging Dancers: He established frameworks that helped nurture the next generation of choreographers and dancers, perpetuating innovation in the field.
Step 4
Step 5
Critically discuss the chosen dance work with reference to the statement above explaining how symbolism was used.
Answer
In 'In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated,' Forsythe exemplifies how dance can communicate complex emotions and narratives that words cannot articulate.
Symbolism in Movement
The choreography includes gestures that symbolize freedom and constraint, reflecting the duality of human experience. Specific movements underscore emotional states—such as tension, release, and celebration—representing inner struggles and triumphs.
Use of Space and Form
Forsythe utilizes space to create visual symbolism; for example, the distance between dancers illustrates themes of connection and isolation. The formation of the dancers in certain sequences acts as a visual metaphor for societal structures, highlighting individual versus collective identity.
Musical Elements
The accompanying music further enhances the dance's symbolic narrative. The variation in tempo and dynamics complements the movements, allowing the audience to feel the emotional weight of the piece without the need for words.
Conclusion
Overall, 'In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated' illustrates the profound capacity of dance as a medium to express themes that transcend verbal language, engaging audiences on a visceral level.