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8.1 Describe Vincent Mantsoe's background, training and career - NSC Dance Studies - Question 8 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 8
8.1 Describe Vincent Mantsoe's background, training and career. Vincent Mantsoe was born into a family that followed strict African tradition and cultural practices... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:8.1 Describe Vincent Mantsoe's background, training and career - NSC Dance Studies - Question 8 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe Vincent Mantsoe's background, training and career.
Answer
Vincent Mantsoe was born into a family that followed strict African tradition and cultural practices. His mother, grandmother, and aunt were sangomas and even though Vincent never became one, he often took part in the dancing and singing aspects of these rituals. This environment nurtured his interest in traditional rituals and subsequently inspired his dance career.
He spoke to his grandmother about the need for permission from the ancestors to celebrate ritual dance aspects in his pieces. Mantsoe began dancing at a young age and was part of a dance group called The Joy Dancers. His dance education was influenced by various styles, particularly that of Michael Jackson, who inspired him to create his own distinctive style.
Mantsoe was also a part of two groups called Street Dance and the Rathabile Youth Club. In 1992, he received his diploma from the Moving into Dance (MID) Community Dance Teacher's Training Program. He has also taught many professionals and dance teachers in his career. Currently, he resides in France but returns to South Africa regularly to work with and inspire new artists.
Step 2
The movement vocabulary and symbolism.
Answer
The movements in this piece mimic those of birds as the dancer is taken over by the spirit of the bird. Bent joints (arms, legs and body) are utilized in a way that reflects the movements of the birds and how they move. The sharpness of head movements is articulated with speed to convey urgency, while the shoulders exhibit small but impactful movements, akin to the rolling motions of a bird.
The fingers are often spread to evoke feathers, embodying the essence of avian grace. Additionally, jumps reflect the artist's dynamic range, with leaps reflecting freedom and the playfulness of birds.
Step 3
The production elements.
Answer
Costumes: The male dancers don baggy calf-length pants featuring a bird design, whereas females wear a short skirt combined with a bikini-style top. Both costumes share a common fabric to ensure cohesion, while the material enhances the camouflage effect, linking to the appearance of birds in their habitat.
Set design: The stage is intentionally bare to allow the audience to engage with the dance in their context, enhancing relatability.
Lighting: The piece employs dark blue light alongside brighter hues, transforming the atmosphere to mirror the rhythm of dawn. A small flash of white light from the front signifies moments of focus. Blue lights symbolize the early morning, while also suggesting a sense of danger when utilized appropriately.
Step 4
Evaluate how the music enhanced the dance work.
Answer
The music, composed by Gabrielle Roth, was designed to heal the soul. It complements the spiritual aspects of the dance work, particularly highlighting moments of quietness amidst rhythmic intensity. This focus on quietude aligns seamlessly with the bird-like movements captured in the choreography.
The melody begins quietly and builds intensity, mirroring the birds' pattern of movement. The dancers echo this with sounds, creating an interplay with nature, which results in a profound connection with the audience. Moments of silence amplify the overall experience, letting viewers reflect on the interplay between dance and sound.
Step 5
Vincent Mantsoe drew on his own heritage and used this as an inspiration for his own choreography.
Answer
Mantsoe's recommitment to his heritage allows for a deeper connection to the African cultural narrative. By weaving his background into his works, he not only preserves the storytelling aspect of African traditions but also educates future generations and dancers about the importance of their roots and influences.