Comments on: Comparing throws in “Dances at a Gathering”

By: neo-neocon

neo-neocon — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 18:56:07 +0000

Ben David:

The point is, at least in part, to match the crescendo of the music.

One of the things about Robbins’ choreography is its musicality. His choreography to Chopin in “Dances” is, among other things, a superb blend of delicacy, lyricism, showmanship (which is partly what this throw is about) AND musicality. It’s an unusual and rather perfect blend, because it doesn’t neglect any part of what audiences like about dancing, doesn’t sacrifice any of it to any other.

This throw, when done properly (with feeling, which I feel happens better in the second clip, although not quite as wonderfully as in the original, in my memory anyway), conveys all those things without sacrificing expression. I have nothing against bravura dancing, just don’t want it sacrificing all the other parts of dancing, which today’s dancers often do.

Specficially, this throw in “Dances” is part of a progression where a phrase in the music is repeated three times, with increasing force (that’s the crescendo). These repeats form a large part of the portion of the ballet choreographed to this particular musical selection from Chopin (the ballet is done to a group of piano pieces by Chopin). What Robbins does each time is to express the music by choreographing three moves (one to each repetition) that have a similar crescendo built into them—the first move more restrained, the second move slightly more large or risky or accentuated, and the third slightly more. The audience perceives it as a beautiful expression of the crescendo already within the music itself, and the motif (not the moves themselves, just the motif of the three increases in a move) repeats itself throughout the segment of the ballet in a very satisfying, exciting, and also artistic fashion.

By: Ben David

Ben David — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 18:21:54 +0000

What is the point of that toss? It’s a gymnastic move. Perhaps it’s thrilling to you as someone who has danced… but it didn’t add anything to what the previous, simpler move already expressed.
You often post about how the gymnastic athleticism and extreme extension of today’s dancers distracts from expression – in this case it’s the choreography that strays into cheap tricks.

IMNSHO

By: Julie near Chicago

Julie near Chicago — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 09:12:16 +0000

Thank you, neo. :>)

I love ballet, especially the relatively “modern” ballet, and jazz dance if it’s seriously good. Maybe because I’m a child of the 50’s? The Golden Age of Musicals (at the movies), far as I’m concerned.

The point is, there’s not much first-class dance to be had on YouTube, to my way of thinking, and your last two clips are a real treat. I certainly see what you mean about the difference between clips 1 and 2.

By: AesopFan

AesopFan — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 14:11:50 +0000

Lovely way to start the day.

By: parker

parker — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 03:28:49 +0000

The second video was wow! Athletic with spices of subtle humor and questioning what comes next. Thanks.

By: miklos000rosza

miklos000rosza — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 22:45:20 +0000

When I was a musician in my 20s I came to know so many dancers it remains hard for me to really appreciate the art-form. I had a good friend who did the music for several shows put on by a dance troupe here in Portland — he came from a rock & roll background, and might concoct an agreeable score out of a riff stolen from Gang of Four or some other “post-punk” band.

Meanwhile I gave solo piano recitals, partly improvised, musically influenced by Messiaen, Prokofiev, and what are now known as the minimalists (Steve Reich, Terry Riley, Philip Glass).

The dancers all seemed obsessed with posing before mirrors, generally had eating disorders, and formed an insular community obsessed with their own concerns.

I enjoyed straight-up ballet much more than modern dance. Much more.