Dance Piece #3

In this week’s blog I will be reviewing the dance piece named Carousel by Justin Peck. I will also be comparing this work to the previous two dance pieces I have reviewed such as Year of the Rabbit and In Creases.

The work begins with the dancers singing whilst changing formations. One of the formations created is one resembling a boat. This is very interesting as the dancers use many different levels to create this shape by picking one another up and laying down on the floor. This beginning is very different to those of the other pieces I have reviewed as this piece seems to be very theatrical whereas the other two works, I reviewed are more balletic and classical. The dancers are constantly changing formations is which some are dancing, and others are stood at the side clapping the others on. The movement is very upbeat, containing jumps and leaps as well as using the whole space, which keeps the audience engaged.  The music also links to the upbeat feel to the movement due to it sounding extremely lively and jolly. There are gaps in the movement which allow the dancers to make noises such as slapping their legs, stamping their feet or chanting. This is very engaging for the audience as it takes them by surprise as this is an unusual trait in a dance work. In this work the dancers use a lot of contact work similarly to the works In Creases and Year of the Rabbit. The contact work, the use of unison and the dancers supporting each other at the side of the stage gives a united feel to the dance. The dance has some classical steps within it however it is mostly a style similar to musical theatre or jazz or even some tap steps within it. This is very different to the two works I reviewed in the past as both have been a classical style. The dynamic in this work is very sharp and energetic which is similar to work In Creases. However, the work named Year of the Rabbit was more flowy and gentler in dynamic.

The dancers wear old fashioned clothing which makes them appear to be poor. All the dancers wear different colours and styles of clothing such as t-shirts or waist coats. The dancers wear normal everyday shoes in the piece but later in the piece some dancers have bare feet. This is very different to both works previously reviewed as in both of them ballet shoes were worn. In the work In Creases ballet tights and leotards were worn which juxtaposes to the old fashioned every day clothes worn in Carousel. In Carousel the backdrop appears to resemble a being on a boat. Also, there are props present such as boxes and sails. This contrasts to In Creases and Year of the Rabbit as both of these works contain an empty stage with a plain backdrop.

Justin Peck made this piece in revival of the musical named Carousel. The story of the work is based on a romance between two of the main characters. He remade this musical adding his own flair to it. “I was aiming to create a dance dialogue onstage and a lot of that was inspired by what Jerome Robbins did on Broadway. I definitely feel like I was in a headspace to explore a kind of theatre dance style”- Justin Peck (The last magazine). From recreating this musical Justin received a Tony award.

The information used within this blog are form the websites linked below:

-          https://thelast-magazine.com/justin-peck-carousel-broadway-interview/

-          http://www.playbill.com/article/justin-peck-revolutionizes-carousels-choreography-for-2018