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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 Bolero/Last Dance was deeply influenced by the sociopolitical context of South Africa during the 1980s. Hinkel's teaching experience in the racially segregated 'Coloured' communities highlighted the inequalities faced in dance education and provided him with a foundation for developing an original and resourceful approach to choreography.
The work reflects significant events of its time, particularly the struggles against the Immorality Act and the national state of emergency due to imminent violence generated by the apartheid regime. This dance piece initially commented on political oppression and later transformed into a celebratory homage when performed at events like the inauguration of Nelson Mandela.
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 utilizes a full orchestration, requiring multiple instruments to create a rich soundscape. Each instrument aligns with the piece's rhythm, enhancing the performance's emotional depth. For example, a repetitive drum pattern mirrors the building intensity of the choreography.
Towards the climax, two pieces are played concurrently, amplifying the choreography's vibrancy as dancers engage in expressive movements. The absence of sets or props allows the dancers to remain the focal point of the performance, while consistent lighting choices maintain an atmospheric quality throughout various iterations of the piece.
Step 3
Elaborate on the characteristics of Hinkel’s dance style.
Answer
Hinkel's dance style is characterized by its blend of contemporary and traditional African elements. He emphasizes the functionality of movement over mere aesthetics, preferring to tell often disturbing stories that provoke thought and emotions. Hinkel also incorporates elements of release technique and improvisation, reflecting his commitment to nurturing raw talent, particularly among untrained dancers from underprivileged backgrounds.
His innovation in integrating classical dance forms with African techniques has led to a unique choreographic language that resonates with diverse audiences while challenging traditional dance narratives.
Step 4
Evaluate what made this dance work so innovative for its time.
Answer
Bolero/Last Dance was innovative primarily due to its socio-political commentary, which was atypical in the dance scene of the time. Hinkel's use of gumbots—an embodiment of the working-class struggles—demonstrated how dance could serve as a medium for activism by highlighting societal issues.
Moreover, the integration of formal dance training with community-oriented performance art broke barriers within the dance community. The technique represented in the work, particularly the contract work that featured the exchange of weight between dancers, was radical for its time, pairing traditional and contemporary movements to create a strikingly modern aesthetic.