You have been on a field trip to see a production of one of the prescribed international dance works listed below - NSC Dance Studies - Question 11 - 2016 - Paper 1

Apollo tells the story of the birth of the god Apollo and his evolution from boy to man. The ballet opens with Apollo, represented against a luminous blue background, as he is born on a rock in Delos, an Aegean island. The story unfolds through various interactions with muses who embody different arts and ideals, showcasing Apollo's growth and his eventual realization of his divine purpose.

The production features a striking backdrop of a rocky landscape, which symbolizes Apollo's birthplace. The costumes are elegant, representing ancient Greek aesthetics with flowing lines and ethereal colors. The lighting is minimal yet effective, highlighting the dancers and creating an atmospheric connection to the themes of divinity and emergence.

The movement vocabulary in 'Apollo' is rooted in classical ballet but incorporates innovative elements such as partnering and ensemble work to convey the narrative. Dancers use intricate poses, lifts, and expressive gestures to represent their characters, creating a dynamic interplay between Apollo and the muses.

The luminous background symbolizes Apollo’s enlightenment and emergence as a figure of inspiration. Each muse's costume reflects their respective art form, reinforcing the narrative’s connection to creativity. Additionally, the movements highlight the contrasting nature of Apollo’s youth and his growth into a symbol of artistic inspiration.

Firstly, the integration of narrative and movement allows for a seamless storytelling experience, transforming traditional ballet into a more expressive form. Secondly, Balanchine’s unique choreographic style, which emphasizes lines and symmetry, rather than just character dancing, showcases the bodies of the dancers as visual art, creating a new aesthetic that influenced future ballet companies.