In this Critique, represents modern and ballet. Analyze them in a compare and contrast paper. Include specific observations from each dance to support your analysis. Should provide an in-depth breakdown of the two selected pieces.
Identify at the beginning of your paper, what dances you are discussing (title) and the group/company who performed it and the choreographer (if this information is available). Include the title (or performing company) and date of the recorded concert, the titles of the pieces you are discussing, refer to the choreographer by last name (after introducing them with their full name), organize paper with topic sentences that refer directly to your thesis statement and support your analysis with concrete observations using Language of Dance terminology as appropriate. When writing a dance analysis, your introductory paragraph should always include information on what company (group) you saw and/or concert title, the date and the name of the theatre where the event took place, the titles of the two dances you chose to discuss (in Italics), when each dance was being performed (or the premiere date), the choreographer(s) for each piece, and other relevant information, such as important program notes. (Assuming this info is available. In some cases it may not be.) After seeing a dance, determine if it was based on movement and design (abstract), or if it had a clear theme or storyline (narrative). Also if the story is set in a different time period, you can mention that. If the dance was a movement-based piece, critique the dance using information on the elements of space, time and energy. For example, how did the choreographer use:
space: shape/line; level; direction; focus; points on the stage; floor patterns(s); depth/width; phrases; repetition; and transitions.
time: speed/tempo; pulse/underlying beat; rhythmic pattern; time signature/meter; no counts at all; breath/emotional phrasing; stillness; and words/text/sounds/silence.
energy: dynamics and qualities
LOD concepts: springing, rotation, stepping, pathway, levels, shape, uplift/weightedness, gesture, flexion/extension, balance/off balance, breath, contact, etc.
- Write about what stood out for you and what you felt was significant in the dance and why. Detailing why you are making a specific statement is the most important part of a dance critique.
- Discuss music, costumes, lighting and set design when relevant.
Hello World by Repertory Dance Theater (Modern)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lJFRMwEUNQ
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui & Woodkid – I Will Fall For You (Ballet/Contemporary ballet)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NZ4n-s-6xI&list=PL2HICqoxm8RZZarAdjyeyapdJHo4ZB-Fs