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Choose ONE dance work that you studied in class from the list below - NSC Dance Studies - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 7
Choose ONE dance work that you studied in class from the list below. SOUTH AFRICAN CHOREOGRAPHERS DANCE WORKS INTERNATIONAL CHOREOGRAPHE... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Choose ONE dance work that you studied in class from the list below - NSC Dance Studies - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
7.1 Write an essay describing the prescribed work.
Answer
Dance Work: Orpheus in the Underworld
Storyline and Theme: Orpheus in the Underworld is a reinterpretation of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, emphasizing themes of love, loss, and the underworld's allure. The story unfolds with Orpheus, a musician, who descends into the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice, encountering various characters that shape their journey.
Production Elements:
- Lighting Design: Dynamic use of lighting enhances the emotional arcs, highlighting the contrasts between the underworld's darkness and Orpheus's hope.
- Costume Design: Costumes are vivid and symbolic, representing the dichotomy of life and death, earthly and ethereal.
- Backdrop: Scenic elements reflect the underworld's eerie beauty, combining traditional and modern art influences.
Music and Accompaniment: The score is a fusion of classical compositions and modern interpretations, setting a rhythmic backdrop that complements the dancers' movements, accentuating their emotional expressions.
Movement Vocabulary: The choreography blends classical ballet with contemporary dance, employing gestures that evoke themes of despair and longing. Unique motifs are introduced throughout, symbolizing Orpheus's struggles and triumphs.
Choreographic Structures:
- Beginnings and Endings: Each act opens and closes with striking poses, symbolizing transitions between realms.
- Climactic Moments: Key scenes, particularly Orpheus's confrontation with the underworld, highlight heightened emotional tension, facilitated by intricate group formations.
Step 2
7.2 Analyse the image below and answer the question that follows.
Answer
In the provided image of the site-specific space, there is an emphasis on natural elements and open space, ideal for a re-interpretation of dance work.
Adaptation of the Dance Work:
- Structure of the Work: The work could be restructured to incorporate the natural landscape, using the trees and open space as inherent parts of the performance, creating a seamless blend between dancer and environment.
- Number of Performers: A small ensemble of dancers can allow for intimate interactions that resonate with the themes of connection to nature and the human experience.
- Production Elements: Incorporating natural props, such as stones or branches, can enhance the visual aspects, while subtle audio elements from the environment can serve as a natural accompaniment.
- Movement Vocabulary: Dancers could explore grounded movements and fluid transitions that echo the natural flow of the landscape, inviting the audience to reflect on their relationship with nature.
- Choreographic Structures: Improvised interactions with the setting can lead to spontaneous choreography, motivating dancers to respond to their surroundings dynamically, creating a performance as organic as the environment itself.