Michael Bennett's legacy as a choreographer:
A Chorus Line and Dreamgirls
Michael Bennett's choreography in productions such as Dreamgirls and A Chorus Line dominated the Broadway stage of the 1970s and 1980s. Along with the work of other great choreographers of the era like Bob Fosse, Bennett is credited for revolutionizing Broadway theater and the role of dance in the Broadway tradition. In A Chorus Line in particular, the dance tells the story, not plot or even song. However, unlike Fosse, Bennett did not have a style that was so distinct that it overwhelmed every production in which he was involved. Bennett tailored his choreography to the needs of the show and allowed it to reveal the themes of the production unlike Fosse's very distinctive style. Bennett's mark upon his stage shows is more subtle, but still evident.
The premise of A Chorus Line is simple: the tale unfolds the struggles of out-of-work…...
mlaWorks Cited
A Chorus Line. Directed by Richard Attenborough, 1985.
Dreamgirls. Directed by Bill Condon, 2006.
Festival Title: Break it Out!
Festival Mission: Break it Out! is dance festival celebrating the LGBTQ community, and which encourages young people to be proud, strong, and confident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, LGBTQ youth are twice as likely to have attempted suicide than their heterosexual peers, and were far more likely to have experienced bullying, depression, substance abuse, and negative attitudes towards schooling too. Involvement with music and dance can change the lives of LGBTQ young people -- and their peers as well. This festival will help get all kids involved, using positive energy and creativity to generate a forward-thinking community that supports the ambitions and dreams of young people.
The dance festival will include workshops and performances by local and national organizations in a variety of styles, but will focus on hip-hop dancing, music, and art as a means to provide a high-energy engaging atmosphere accessible…...
mlaWorks Cited
Center for the Art of Performance at UCLA. "Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker." Retrieved online: http://cap.ucla.edu/rosas/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Lesbian, gay, transsexual, and transgender health." 2014. Retrieved online: http://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth.htm
De Keersmaeker, Anne Teresa
Alvin Ailey
First Viewing:
The overall tone of the work is positive and life-affirming in spite of apparent obstacles that are perceived as externalities to the dancer's range of motion. The dancer at times hugs herself, which seems to suggest a need to love oneself; at other times, the dancer opens the arms wide in an embrace of the world and of life's possibilities. Then the dancer moves in a circle as though to encompass the range of these possibilities and move towards them. When the dancer shrinks down, there is danger or one of life's obstacles getting in the way. When the dancer rises again, life is once more possible because of the inner strength within.
The sound score is dramatic with a woman's voice singing the words over a few instruments that sound like strings. The work seems to be about a woman awakening to life. The dancer is Marylin Banks…...
Millepied's Dancers
I think style most aligns with Millepied's approach in this piece: the female dancer expresses such a limp, languid and languorous feeling, almost as though she were rag doll compelled into action by the male ballet dancer, the music, and indeed the audience. Her posture, and the balance of her head (constantly rolling around on her shoulders as body poses then collapses in the arms of her male counterpart, at once stretching and rising with the swell of the music and then crashing as though the feeling and movement were impossible to sustain). Perhaps it is the music itself, its unending repetitious quality, that tugs at Millepied's dancer's and thus gives us the style that we see on the stage -- or perhaps it is Millepied's own sense of our culture -- stuffed, artificial, inauthentic, yet propped up by these traditions -- art, music, dance -- which he sets…...
controversy with regard to the field of choreography, as many are inclined to ignore it. The media world is especially important in the contemporary society when considering its ability to influence individuals. A great deal of ideas associated with the media has gradually come to be significant when regarded from the perspective of an ordinary person. While the technological progress in the contemporary society has reached great heights, people continue to have trouble integrating the social order properly. Choreography was particularly important when taking into account its history and its ability to change people's understanding of the world.
Laban was often inclined to blame dancers on account of how they failed to act in accordance with his 'laws'. As a consequence, many dancers criticized his tendency to interfere in their line of work. He considered progress in general as one of the concepts that need to guide people through their…...
Music and Dance in Indian Films
In sheer quantity, INDIA produces more movies than any other country in the world-over 900 feature-length films in at least 16 languages, according to a recent industry survey. This productivity is explained by several factors: the size of the Indian audience, low literacy rates, the limited diffusion of television in India, and well-developed export markets in both hemispheres. (http://worldfilm.about.com/cs/booksbolly/)
In its historical development, India's film industry paralleled that of the West. Dadasaheb Phalke's Raja Harishchandra, the first silent film for popular consumption, appeared in 1913; Alam Ara, the first "talkie," was released in 1931. ut the Indian cinema derived its unique flavor from the older Indian musical theater-particularly from the Urdu poetic dramas of the late nineteenth century. The influence of this tradition ensured that Indian movies would favor mythological or legendary-historical stories, that their dialogue would carry an Urdu flavor even in languages other than…...
mlaBibliography
http://worldfilm.about.com/cs/booksbolly/
National Identity in Indian Popular Cinema 1947-1987 (Texas Film Studies) by Sumita S. Chakravarty Univ of Texas Pr; (December 1993)
Encyclopedia of Indian Cinema by Ashish Rajadhyaksha (Editor), Paul Willemen (Editor) British Film Inst; Revised edition (September 1999)
Cinema of Interruptions: Action Genres in Contemporary Indian Cinema by Lalitha Gopalan British Film Inst; (July 1, 2002)
Michael Bennet-What makes him unique
Michael Bennett was born in 1943 under the full name of Michael Bennett DiFiglia. He was devoted to the theater and over the course of his life was a dancer, choreographer and director; before succumbing to AIDS complications at 44 years old. His unique style was his legacy to Broadway -- particularly regarding Musical Theater.
Musical theater has a rich and storied history; dating back centuries. First conceived as "narration with song and dance incorporated"; it was meant to glorify beautiful females, dancers, singers and the occasional comedian (eynolds, 882). Broadway Musicals were not always successful; but dance continued to be integral and professionals of all genres fell under the purview of the choreographer (eynolds 693).
By the 1970s the cost of staging a Broadway show was exorbitant. It was often decided to pare back dancing and choreography as a means of saving money (Clark). Many credit Michael…...
mlaReferences
Clark, Daryl Kent. "Michael Bennett: A Singular Sensation,." 100 Treasures - Michael Bennett. Dance Heritage Coalition, Jan. 2012. Web. 26 Feb. 2014. From http://www.danceheritage.org/treasures/bennett_essay_clark.pdf
Cerasaro, P. 2013 Tony Awards Clip Countdown: #7 - Michael Bennett Masterpieces. 2013. Web. 8 Feb. 2014. http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/2013-Tony-Awards-Clip-Countdown-7-Michael-Bennett-Masterpieces-20130603
Cohen, Selma J., and Dance Perspective Foundation, eds. "Musical Theater."International Encyclopedia of Dance. Oxford: Oxford University, 2005. Online.
Dietz, Dan. Off Broadway Musicals, 1910-2007: Casts, Credits, Songs, Critical Reception and Performance Data of More than 1,800 Shows. Jefferson, NC: McFarland &, 2010. Print.
Balanchine to Petipa
George Balanchine was born in the year 1904. He was invited to come over the United States of America by Lincoln Kirstein, in the year 1933, and subsequently, Balanchine arrived in America in the month of October 1933. One of the very first things that Balanchine is reputed to have done after his arrival in the United States, was to found the 'School of American Ballet', which opened in the year 1934, with a class of twenty five students. It must be stated here that although Balanchine and Kirstein made several attempts through many years to start a Company, they did not succeed in their endeavor, but the School of American Ballet, however, has endured and remains intact, to this day. This was the Scholl through which Balanchine was able to present his very first ballet to the entire world, in America, which was named the 'Serenade'.…...
mlaReferences
Ballet Training Techniques. Retrieved From
Accessed 15 October, 2005http://www.the-ballet.com/techniques.php
Balustrade. Retrieved From
Fitness Industry in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a densely populated, coastal city in Asia, where both Eastern and Western cultures meet. In this city-state of 7 million persons, the potential for the fitness industry (fitness clubs) to find consumer demand is evident in the government's recent emphasis on health and fitness as well as the entertainment industry's usage of body image to convey an impulse among consumers to mimic what they see. At the same time, Hong Kong has a distinctly Asian desire for fitness workouts that are more dance-oriented than in the West. Choreography is a big draw for Hong Kong fitness club users and the more complex the choreography, the more likely the draw. Still, fitness clubs also appeal to older consumers who want to belong to a club and who seek to achieve some activity in their lives, as there is limited open space in Hong…...
Men are expected to put across domination and to affirm their masculinity during a hip hop dance. Hip hop and tango are both designed to put across the feeling that there is a strong connection between the message and the dance, the dance and the dancer, and the dancer and the message.
Tango and hip hop are relatively similar when considering that professional dancers are primarily interested in dancing from the perspective of someone who actually understands why he or she is dancing. These people are not only interested in looking beautiful as they dance, as they are also concerned about having audiences understand their emotions.
All things considered, choreography is one of the most important concepts in the contemporary society and it is very important for the general public to understand that dances are more than movements designed to please the eye. Individuals also dance with the purpose of expressing…...
mlaWorks cited:
Benshoff, Harry M. And Griffin, Sean "What is Gender?," "What is Sexuality" in America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality at the Movies, Blackwell Pub., 2004, pp. 203-206, 293-296.
LaBoskey, Sara "Getting off: Portrayals of Masculinity in Hip Hop Dance in Film," Dance Research Journal, 2001, 33(2), pp. 112-120.
Leigh Foster, Susan, "Choreographies of Gender," Signs, Vol. 24, No. 1 (Autumn, 1998), pp. 1-33.
Manning, Susan, "The Female Dancer and the Male Gaze: Feminist Critiques of Early Modern Dance," Meaning in Motion: New Cultural Studies of Dance, ed. Jane C. Desmond, Duke University Press, 1997, pp: 153-166.
oreover, they work well with solo dance moves (which is why they worked out so well for Beyonce. Thus I would describe De Keersmacker's work as timeless, "avant-garde" (Gardner, 2011) ballet that pushes the envelope.
A.3. It is difficult to pinpoint specific themes in the choreography of De Keersmaker. The Choreographer herself admitted that she dislikes themes and tries to eschew them from her work (Jenkinson, 2009). Therefore, if one were to explore the lack of themes in the choreographer's work, they would revolve around innovation and novelty. She incorporates a wide variety of media within her choreographed pieces, such as varying elements of sound (both musical and otherwise), text and different varieties of light. She also sings along to her songs (Williams, 2003).
A.4. The main way that this choreographer's work is influencing larger society is through the form of flattery known as imitation. Beyonce's lifting of several of De…...
mlaMacaulay, Alastair. "In Dance, Borrowing is a Tradition." The New York Times. 2011. Web. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/arts/dance/is-beyonce-a-choreography-thief-in-countdown.html?ref=anneteresadekeersmaeker&_r=0
Williams, Ann. "Rosas - Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker'Once'." Ballet Magazine. 2003. Web. http://www.ballet.co.uk/magazines/yr_03/nov03/aw_rev_anne_teresa_de_keersmaeker_1003.htm
Rosas Danst Rosas Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker 3. 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zS_kWttptS4
Having unleashed Demon, the Song is now welcomed into the gang and begins sporting the traditional "black suit" of the gang members. Here, again, it is important to remark on the deviation from stereotype to contemporary national image that wardrobe and props bring to the film. There are no robes of silk, no long, silky geisha looking women waiting on men in the community baths. Rather, Landlady, one of the protagonists in the film, barely makes a move without a burning cigarette hanging out of her mouth. She is in white satin lingerie throughout most of the film. hile Landlord is often seen in his silk robe, and is often being beat by Landlady. Landlord and Landlady and even Demon serve to reinforce the positive image of Asian family in that Landlady and Landlord are not elderly, but late 40s, and Demon is definitely 50 ish.
Together, good or bad,…...
mlaWorks Cited
http://www.questiaschool.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=98737571
Chanan, Michael. "The Changing Geography of Third Cinema." Screen 38.4 (1997): 372-388. Questia. 23 May 2008
Paul Taylor
Since his first dance routine more than half a century ago, Paul Taylor has become one of the world's most popular and respected choreographers. His works are performed by companies throughout the globe. Taylor has created more than 150 dance pieces. His style is unique and he is often seen as a distinctly American artist.
critics and audiences all over the world agree that Taylor is a giant among modern dance choreographers. He has developed what is very much his own style of dance -- a style that celebrates vigor, athleticism and strength -- making Taylor, in a very special sense, an American choreographer. (iography of Paul Taylor)
Taylor has been responsible for the choreography of more than ninety performances with his own company, which has a distinguished history. The company has also performed in more than 300 cites in the United States, as well as performances in over 39 overseas…...
mlaBibliography. Westport, CT: Greenwood, 1996.
Greskovic, Robert. "Field of Dreams." Dance Magazine Feb. 1994: 138+. Questia. 10 Feb. 2005 http://www.questia.com
Hardy, Camille. "Quality Comes First in Second Companies." Dance Magazine Nov. 1995: 70+. Questia. 10 Feb. 2005
Well, I kind of introduced that into Lindy Hopping. And we call it an air step because that's the way that we envisioned it -- as a step. We said, This has to be done in time with the music. it's not a lift -- it's a step -- so you gotta do it as a step (Editors).
Many people would add innovations and other moves to the basic Lindy, and it would spread out to create an entire form of swing dancing that included air-steps, synchronized dancing, and jitterbugging, all popular forms of swing dance. However, Manning was a true innovator in swing dance, and has been honored with several documentaries. He also was interviewed for the Ken Burns documentary "Jazz," and HBO plans to make a full-length feature film about his remarkable life.
In conclusion, Frankie Manning is the true father of the Lindy Hop, and with his dedication…...
mlaReferences
Author not Available. "Happy Feet." Personal Web Page. 2004. 29 April 2005. http://www.gotthatswing.com.au/happy.html
Crease, Robert P. "Divine Frivolity: Hollywood Representations of the Lindy Hop, 1937-1942." Representing Jazz. Ed. Gabbard, Krin. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 1995. 207-228.
Editors of WNET. "Frankie Manning." Thirteen.org. 1998. 29 April 2005. http://www.thirteen.org/cityarts4/week11/my_html/uncut-week11.html
O'Meally, Robert G., ed. The Jazz Cadence of American Culture. New York: Columbia University Press, 1998.
inception in 1974, the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre has established one of the firmest foundations of modern dance in America. The company has since formed Ailey II to showcase budding, emerging talent -- something that completely keeps with the original spirit of the Ailey brand and which helps keep modern dance fresh. Integral to the Ailey II project is education, but admission remains tight and exclusive, limited to only twelve members at a time (The Ailey School). The Ailey II mission is to provide first-hand experience with choreographers and master classes to develop the next generation of talent.
Ailey II has been called "iconic," a "powerhouse," and "jaw-dropping," and for no small reason (Boynton; Dalzell). Any viewing of an Ailey II performance is a treat. The most recent performance includes "Gemeos," choreographed by Jamar Roberts with music by Fela Kuti. This hyper-energetic piece exudes masculinity and invokes archetypal male energy.…...
mlaWorks Cited
The Ailey School. "Ailey II." Retrieved online: Retrieved online: http://www.theaileyschool.edu/ailey-school/professional-division/ailey-ii
Boynton, Andrew. "Ailey II's Off-the-Charts Energy." The New Yorker. 27 April, 2012. Retrieved online: http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/ailey-iis-off-the-charts-energy
Dalzell, Jenny. "Ailey II.0." Retrieved online: http://www.dancespirit.com/uncategorized/ailey-ii-0/
Ballet is a classical form of dance that originated in the 15th century during the Italian Renaissance. It is a highly technical and artistic dance style that emphasizes precise movements, grace, and elegance. Ballet dancers undergo rigorous training and follow a structured technique that includes specific positions of the arms and feet, intricate footwork, and fluid body movements. The dancers often wear pointe shoes to perform on their toes and create an illusion of weightlessness. Ballet includes various styles, such as classical ballet, neoclassical ballet, and contemporary ballet, each showcasing different choreography and music. It is widely performed in professional....
I. Introduction
A. Explanation of hip hop dancing as a popular hobby
B. Thesis statement: Hip hop dancing can be a rewarding hobby for individuals of all ages and skill levels.
II. Benefits of Hip Hop Dancing as a Hobby
A. Physical benefits
1. Improved cardiovascular health
2. Increased flexibility and strength
B. Mental benefits
1. Stress relief
2. Boosted self-confidence
C. Social benefits
1. Opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for dancing
2. Increased sense of community and belonging
III. Getting Started with Hip Hop Dancing
A. Finding a local dance studio or class
B. Utilizing online tutorials....
## The Evolution of Musical Theater: Embracing Diversity in Style and Story
Over centuries, musical theater has undergone a remarkable transformation, mirroring the ever-changing cultural landscape. From its humble beginnings to contemporary masterpieces, the genre has embraced a rich tapestry of styles and stories, becoming a vibrant reflection of human experiences.
Early Influences and Operatic Roots:
Musical theater traces its origins back to the Renaissance era's masques and intermezzi. These theatrical presentations combined music, dance, and dialogue to entertain courtly audiences. In the 18th century, Italian opera gained popularity, exerting significant influence on the development of early musicals.
The Rise of Ballad Opera and....
1. Exceptional vocal ability: A strong singing voice is essential for success in musical theater, as many roles require singing both solo and in ensemble numbers.
2. Acting talent: The ability to convey emotion and bring characters to life is crucial for performing in musicals, where storytelling is often driven through dialogue and song.
3. Dancing skills: Many musical theater productions include elaborate choreography, so being able to move and dance well on stage is important for success in the genre.
4. Stage presence: Confidence, charisma, and an ability to connect with the audience are key skills for standing out on stage and....
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