QUESTION 11: DANCE WORK (COMPULSORY) NOTE: Do NOT answer on the same choreographer and dance work that you have chosen for QUESTION 8, QUESTION 9 or QUESTION 10 - NSC Dance Studies - Question 11 - 2018 - Paper 1

In Christopher Bruce's Ghost Dances, the intent and effect are powerfully conveyed through various production elements and movements.

Production Elements

• Lighting: The use of contrasting colors, particularly dim lighting and spotlights, creates an atmosphere of melancholy and reverence, enhancing the themes of life and death.
• Props: The presence of masks and simple set pieces symbolizes the spirits of the deceased, reinforcing the narrative of loss and remembrance.
• Costumes: The costumes are deliberately designed in earthy tones which symbolize the connection to the land and the cultural heritage of the deceased characters.

Movement Vocabulary

• Gestures: The dancers convey grief and mourning through slow, deliberate movements, such as falling to the ground or reaching out towards the audience, evoking empathy.
• Group Work: The ensemble choreography illustrates community support in times of hardship, with dancers often moving together in patterns that suggest unity against grief.

Overall, the combination of these elements intricately portrays the themes of remembrance and cultural identity, making Ghost Dances a profound exploration of life, death, and community.