#LO1 #LO7 #LO6

What the dance is about: 

The subject of Revelations is a celebration of African American heritage and community through 4 sections. Each section is a tribute to a celebration of the richness of black culture. Section 1, religion, communicated through a mood of holiness. Section 2 explores the labour and a mood of determinism and strength. Section 3 is centered around a theme of baptism. The final section returns to the first dynamic of piousness and religion. 5 styles: African, Caribbean (as an exploration of heritage), Horton technique, ballet and jazz dance. It is important to do these themes justice through the performance, showing respect to these communities by always maintaining a choreographic intention. 

Focus for dance elements: 

In section 1, an atmosphere piousness can be reflected through a sustained dynamics well as the ‘holy’ nature to the openness of my chest, and the upwards facing. Some Caribbean elements (spine undulations can be seen here)  In section 2 I have a strong-willed nature through projection and a heavy, yet outwards dynamic. The themes of baptism in section 3 can be seen through the more fluidness and fulfilment to my movement and expressions. The last section returns to the first theme, so I again use an open chest, and a peaceful dynamic.

#LO2 #LO4 #LO5 #LO6

This piece was really really difficult. It was a contemporary, African, Carribean piece, based on the choreography by Alvin Ailey. We were taught as a solo, but as a class, we created a group piece by adding formations, and a narrative about Ailey, and the struggle of the black community in America. I think physical perseverance was a big big part of revelations – the dance was incredibly challenging, and because of my unfamiliarity to African and Carribean styles, a lot of muscles I wouldn’t normally use had to be strengthened (especially in the back and inner thighs). Another challenge was choreographing as a group of 7. A balance had to be found between the presentation and confidence in pushing your own ideas while considering and respecting the proposals made by others. Rehearsals were also largely student lead, so we had to keep the focus strong to make sure we not only came up with an impressive final dance but also paid respectable tribute to the choreographer, Alvin Ailey. It is also important to maintain a sense of meaning throughout the dance, remembering to communicate such significant issues such a racism, and black rights.