Choreographic Influencers:
Throughout the weeks, we have looked at different artist, performances and chorographers as a platform to inspire us and help the flow of our creativity. Two groups that particularly aided our vision was the Shaolin Monks that perform in Sutra and the group Ballet Boys in their Basic Training video clip.
When considering the choreographic process Iván Pérez, used to create "Basic Training" in Young Men, I couldn't help notice how the scene was so genuine, so real... suggesting to me that perhaps he simply allowed the character's emotions and reactions to dictate the coming movements and steps. The impact is massive, placed exactly as they intended me to be, the overwhelming feeling of concern and pity consumes me as a viewer. This is the phycological control we aim to have with our audience. Great emphasise is placed on showing facial expressions, despite these pauses the piece is incredibly engaging as the contrast of stillness helps increase the effect of their rapid boisterous movements-making it all the more unexpected. Inspired by this, we similarly included several moments of stillness or reduced movement to spotlight the emotions taking place inside of us. For example, although there are more of us compared to those in the "Basic Training" scene, we use our extra dancers to accentuate moments of individual focus, as seen in the start of Count Down in the repelling huddle, highlighting one individual at a time.
The Shaolin Monks in "Sutra" were also a group we were greatly inspired by. Similar to Ballet Boys, the monks use the music to reflect the pace of their activity. Although very different, the two pieces share the same spontaneous and authentic feeling, like a real battle could be taking place. At (28.00-29.00) we do see a battle going on, despite the fact that we will be showing partnership and unity (as an army does) during most of our stick work, we are inspired by their ability to move as one with their sticks, the relationship between the person and their weapon exuberated confidence and mastery- a key quality we aim for. We considered their choreographic intentions when using the sticks, a vigorous visual overload. This is achieved through their carefully constructed choreography- quick, dynamic and intricate movements. After reviewing their stick work more carefully, we decided to improve on our choreography as we realised it had become slow and tamed. We increased the pace and added far more movement, like rotating the sticks into lunges and circling them around the body. To great effect, this section transformed into something exciting and unexpected.
One of the major differences between the two pieces is the format we are given as a viewer. Sutra is performed on stage with a seated audience. In contrast, Young Men has been created in the form of a film where we are given close headshots that spotlight every change in their facial expressions. Both have their own unique impact, we see how large and extreme every movement has to be on stage in Sutra in order to create the high level of intensity. By using the camera in Ballet Boys, we are given an insight into the inner experience of the dancers- creating a strong emotional connection. With this in mind, we aim to integrate both of these qualities into our piece; to push our bodies to exuberate the same level of strength as the Shaolin Monks we must imagine we are performing on a large stage, making sure our movements do not get lost and remain purposeful with increased space. We also want to be able to have moments, like the close ups in Ballet Boys Basic Training, to express and gain the same kind of emotional connection as they created. The combination of these should increase the level of our overall performance.
The two contrasting groups have helped develop the two of the most important factors we aim to bring to our piece- physical and emotional expression.
Referencing:
- Sutru. (2012) Ojos Alargados. Available at: https://vimeo.com/40664952 (Accessed: 25 November)
- Basic training - BalletBoyz - Young Men | Preview - BBC Two. BBC. (2016) Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZG-saOTg44 (Accessed: 25 November)
This is a clear and well written blog containing informative and relevant points. I feel you have deeply researched into these two works you have taken inspiration from and explained upon your thoughts and feelings and how in which you can link the overall pieces to your own. I really enjoyed reading this blog. Why were you so drawn to these two practitioners and their work when creating your dance ?
ReplyDeleteThey seemed to express and project the same qualities we were after as a group- strength and emotional expression. Sutra gave us great inspiration for the way we moved and manipulated our sticks, without this our choreography would have remained quite basic and slow paced. Ballet Boys showed us the power of emotional connection with an audience/viewer, increasing our priority to focus on the way we performed every movement physically and facially.
DeleteI like how you have researched your influencers and how you've explained how each influencers has impacted our choreography. Did you find any similarities between your influences? If so, what were they?
ReplyDeleteThe most obvious similarity I found was the way their movement flowed so naturally. This is a quality we have tried to achieve ourselves. It makes me as an viewer feel all the more connected to them because they make it feel so real.
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