Workshop Two

Workshop Two:

Speaking Body- Choreographic method.

Using one ballet phrase for both dancers- Take the phrase and focus on one body part to do the phrase, such as hand, elbow, hip, or shoulder.

Next, take this edited phrase and choose another body part to coordinate it with, for example, the original body part might of been elbow and then partner this with the knee.

Values: The values explored are William Forsythe's idea of 'working with the dancer's strengths' as opposed to just what you as the choreographer want them to do. The second value that I have put into place within the duet section is 'gender'. This involves putting aside the stereotypical gender roles and working with the two male dancers without having a preconceived idea of what they do base on their gender.

Notes from the workshop:

Video A- Original ballet phrase.

                                

 

Video B- Owen doing the phrase with the focus on his shoulder and arm.

 

Video C- Tom doing the ballet phrase with the focus on his elbow.    

    

 

Video D- Owen doing the phrase with the focus on his shoulder.

   

Outcome and creative process

The outcome of tasks in a duet form: This is the start of the creative process in the project, with the idea of body parts as the initiation point. 

One of Willam Forsythe's values of working with the dancers and their strengths. The two boys are very balletic and strong, I decided to use their skills, and what suits them best, by creating a male duet where they give and take support through the phrase.

This duet also questions gender roles, having two malles performing it goes against the balletic stereotypical pa de Deux style of having a man and women during any duet or partnering. It is something Forsythe, Jiri Kylian, and Crystal Pite all explore, blurring the line of gender roles.