Dynamics:
Viewings of solos to be seen through the lens of “dynamics”
How does the choreography and the dancer/performer play with a range of dynamics?
For what effect?
What is the choreographer’s intent?
The interpreter’s intent?
Of course, all dance (physical theatre and more) can be interpreted and analyzed through this lens. But here are a few to play with.
WATCH:
This solo which is a variation on Jiri Kylian’s dance, 27’ 52”; variation by Aurélie Cayla; danced by Zoe Lakhnati.
27’52” “takes the viewer along for a game of seeking and being sought, of holding and being held, pulling and pushing.”
ABOUT :
Jiri Kirian, b 1947 Prague, choreographer
WATCH:
My Old Friend, signature clown piece by Kenny Raskin
ABOUT:
Kenny Raskin, clown physical theatre, actor on Broadway and other stages; director of Hearts and Noses Medical Clown Troupe
WATCH:
The Magic of Khmer Classical Dance
ABOUT:
Prumsodun Ok, artist, teacher, writer, researcher and cultural activist in a TED talk about his dance form, and his dance life.
Dying Swan series:
About the ballet: Choreographed by Michel Fokine and music by Saint-Saëns. Premiered at a gala on 22 Dec. 1907. Since that time, the solo has been performed by numerous ballerinas and also adopted into other dance styles.
Watch This version is the original choreography, performed by Prima Ballerina Maya Plisetskaya in 1975, when she was 50 years old. She has continued to perform this solo.
Watch This version performed by Cellist Yo Yo Ma and street dancer Charles Riley, aka Lil’ Buck, at China’s National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing on November 18, part of the U.S.-China Forum on the Arts and Culture.
Watch In this version Nina Ananiashvili (ballet dancer) , Nina Kotova (cellist) , Lil Buck (street dancer) and Vassily Primakov (pianist) perform The Swan by Camille Saint-Saens arr. for Cello and Piano New York, Lincoln Center.
Watch this version, The Dying Swan, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo dancer Ida Nevasayneva does another variation, this one as a molting swan…