Dance Paper
limiting gender narratives;
August 4, 2017managing infomation
August 4, 2017Dance Paper
Project description
1 margins, double spaced, 2 page minimum, put your section # on the paper. Choose to write about videos #2 and #3 together by comparing and contrasting, or video #4
only.
1) DV8 Physical Theater: Can We Talk About This? (mandatory viewing) 6 minutes
This is a discussion in movement and text regarding freedom of speech and Islam. Look at the connection between politically sensitive ideas and movement.
2) LaLaLa Human Steps: LaLaLa Human Sex duo no.1 6 minutes
This is a fast, fun and gestural dance full of difficult partnering moves utilizing the horizontal plane.
Contrast the male dancer’s energy and body language to that of the female dancer.
Is there gender stereotypes being pushed (pun intended) around? Give an example in the choreography.
AND
3) Mats Ek: Smoke 20 minutes
Sylvie Guillem is a marvelously gifted and intelligent dancer. This duet is both strange and beautiful. Very different sensibilities that than LaLaLa.
How does Ek use the wall to convey the tension between the dancers?
To what effect do camera tricks like close-ups and retrograde, have on the telling of the story?
What parts of the body do the dancers use as surfaces for partnering? Give a specific example.
What is going on with Ms. Guillem’s character during her solo? What do you think she is working through?
Use your notebook. Use language we have been exploring in class; stillness, speed, curve movement, linear movement, etc.
OR
4) DV8 Physical Theater: Strange Fish 1 hour
Note: This video contains nudity and sexual content. Choose the two videos above if you are a sensitive viewer.
This video s with a hilarious look at flirting. Notice the use body language to denote social awkwardness and desire. One third of the way through the video is a
duet set against a wall. It is sweet and erotic, capturing intimacy as only dance can.
Later in the video choreographer Newson sometimes abruptly other times delicately, looks at social rejection, isolation, religious and social constraints.
What kind of movement does he use to convey how these experiences feel on the body? Choose a specific duet or trio to write about.
How do you understand that final kiss?
What is the significance of the water under the wooden planks?
What do you think happened to Nigel?
