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Give a brief background that led to Maqoma's development as a choreographer of note - NSC Dance Studies - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1
Question 9
Give a brief background that led to Maqoma's development as a choreographer of note. Maqoma began his dance journey during the late 1980s in Soweto, where he sought... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Give a brief background that led to Maqoma's development as a choreographer of note - NSC Dance Studies - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1
Step 1
Give a brief background that led to Maqoma's development as a choreographer of note.
Answer
Maqoma began his dance journey during the late 1980s in Soweto, where he sought an escape from the growing political tension. He auditioned at Moving into Dance Mophatong (MIDM) and trained under the guidance of Vincent Mantsoe, who helped him become a renowned dancer and choreographer. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his formal dance training. In 1999, Maqoma was recognized as the Dance Artist of the Year by the Arts and Culture Trust. He also received a scholarship to study at the Performing Arts Research and Training School (PARTS) in Belgium, allowing him to collaborate with many significant figures in dance. Maqoma later founded the Vuyani Dance Theatre in 1999, elevating his profile as an internationally acclaimed choreographer and director. His work reflects a blend of local and global influences, often exploring themes of identity and cultural heritage.
Step 2
Describe the message/intent Maqoma wanted to bring across to the audience through this dance work.
Answer
Maqoma aimed to convey the intertwined relationship between nature and humanity, illustrating how our existence is deeply rooted in the environment. Through poignant movements, he expressed the theme of healing, portraying both the beauty and fragility of the world. He intended to inspire a message of hope, urging the audience to reflect on their connection to the planet and the impact of their actions.
Step 3
Analyse how he used the movement vocabulary and production elements in each season to bring his message/intent across.
Answer
Winter: The choreography is characterized by staccato movements, reflecting a harsh environment. Grey lighting and cold costumes create an atmosphere of desolation.
Spring: Dancers are adorned in vibrant colors, and the movement becomes fluid and joyous, representing renewal and growth.
Autumn: Movement becomes reflective and slow, portraying loss. The use of props, such as leaves, is symbolic of the transition and impermanence.
Summer: The vibrant samba rhythms lift the choreography, embodying celebration and vitality, thus highlighting the cycle of life.
Step 4
Explain his innovative use of music in this production.
Answer
Music plays a critical role in setting the emotional landscape of the dance. Live musicians perform throughout the production, adding depth to the story. In Winter, a drumming score evokes feelings of abandonment, while Spring features a softer tempo, mirroring rebirth. In Autumn, the music transitions to a more somber tone, reflecting themes of loss. Summer bursts with lively samba sounds, creating a sense of joy and community.
Step 5
Give your interpretation of the message that the ENDING of this dance work is communicating to the audience.
Answer
The ending leaves the audience with a sense of unresolved tension, reflective of ongoing societal issues. Yet, it also encompasses a feeling of hope for healing and reconciliation, urging viewers to contemplate their role in nurturing the world.