Critical review of dance piece #2
This blog post is about Justin Peck’s work named In Creases. I will be comparing this dance piece to the piece named Year of the Rabbit as well as discussing my opinions on the work.
The work In Creases is about “to divide, to fold, to crease the stage space.”. You can really see this within the movement due to variety of formations and shapes the dancers make as a group. Similarly to Year of the Rabbit, the movement is very spontaneous and it has both quick and slow sections. I like this spontaneous feel to the work as It keeps the audience interested and on the edge of their seat when watching. The work was inspired by the music which explains why the music and the movement link so seamlessly. For example, the movement becomes quicker as the music increases its piece. This is also seen in the previous work I looked at named Year of the Rabbit. The dancers use the whole of the stage due to travelling as a group as well as spreading out individually. This gives the audience choice on what to watch which keeps them interested in the piece. As well as using space they also use many levels. I like this as it contrasts to the classical style of the work as ballet works usually do not have floor work. The style is very much classical despite the movement seeming spontaneous. Justin stated that he creates no new movements just new combinations of movement. This motivates me to create a spontaneous feel within my final piece of choreography. At some points in the dance some of the dancers leave the stage where duets and solos are performed. I believe this also gives a sense of spontaneity as it creates a sense of wonder within the audience as to when the dancers will return. Choreographic devices such as mirroring, and repetition are used within this piece. I like this as it adds a sense of depth to the piece as well as further showing the spontaneous nature of the piece in which Justin Peck desired to show. The work ends very abruptly. The dancers form a formation at the end in which the music stops. The dancers sharply change positions several times and then the lights go off. I like this ending as it takes the audience by surprise.
The costumes are very classical. For example, the women wear light blue leotards and ballet tights with pointe shoes. The men wear white long-sleeved tops, tight leggings and ballet shoes which also gives a classical feel. I like this choice of costume as it is very simple, yet it allows the audience to focus on what the dancers are doing rather than what they are wearing. I prefer this costume compared to the costumes in the Year of the Rabbit work as this costume prevents distraction of the audience and it also makes the dancer’s lines clear to see which allows me to appreciate the movement more.
I got information from the youtube video linked below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FCle8HXU_Q
I like how you have stated why you like the spontaneous feel to the work , as well as linking this in with the audiences feelings. If the movements were different, what would happen with the audiences interest? Would it affect their feelings in a positive or negative way?
ReplyDeleteI also enjoyed reading your opinions on the costumes, and why you preferred it. It shows you have looked into this choreography in great detail.
I think that if the movement was different the audience's interest would become more distant due to them becoming bored. For example, the dancers would always anticipate their movements which means the audience can see which movement is coming next. This would create a negative feeling for the audience as the dance would not be as interesting as it was previously.
DeleteYour description of the work is expressive and shows the details that you have uncovered. Do you prefer watching this piece or 'In the Countenance of Kings'?
ReplyDeleteI prefer the work In the Countenance of Kings as it much more upbeat and unusual due to the quick movement and colourful costumes worn compared to In Creases.
DeleteWell done! You have made clear comparisons between 'In Creases' and 'Year of the Rabbit'. You mentioned the spontaneity Justin Peck has within this piece. Is this something you'd like to incorporate in your choreography?
ReplyDeleteI would love to include this within my choreography as it keeps the audience engaged in the movement. I will incorporate this by adding dynamic changes of direction as well as a contrast of dynamics such as slow into quick.
DeleteYou have included some interesting points discussing Justin Pecks piece, however, I would like you to go into further detail when analysing and comparing the piece to other works by Peck. In your view, what do you think the piece trying to communicate or say to its audience? Do you think the piece was successful - were there any parts you liked/disliked? In comparison to your first critical analysis, can you notice any similarities as well as differences between the two pieces? Please expand your analysis by discussing how the emotion and dynamic/ intention differed? Overall a well presented critical analysis.
ReplyDeleteI believe Justin is trying to show the meaning of the piece which is to fold as well as showing a sense of unity between the dancers. I believe this was successful as throughout the dance I felt a sense of togetherness between the dancers and the use of the upper body created the folding motion. My favourite part of the piece was the fluctuation between a fast and sharp dynamic and a slow and soft dynamic. I will be sure to use this within my solo. Between both Year of the Rabbit and In Creases, Year of the Rabbit seemed much more emotional in terms of both the music and the intimacy of the two dancers. the slow dynamic within it gives the audience a sense of sadness from the dancers. However, in In Creases the dynamics and music alters therefore a range of emotions can be felt by the audience. For example, when I watch this piece I feel happy due to the very clear sense of togetherness between the dancers.
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