CRITICAL REVIEW OF DANCE PIECE 2
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lju0oiiffam5rut/AABKDV5jnaU_xNFLVve7DttGa?dl=0&preview=Pite+2+-+Cannon+Duets.MP4.m4v
Pite's 'The Seasons Canon' is an innovative piece that was created for the Paris Opera Ballet in 2016. In this critique I will be exploring comparisons in movement styles, dynamics and intentions featured in Pite's other work, 'Flight Pattern'. This choreography focuses on the natural world and can be interpreted as "tribal" or "futuristic" (Nytimes.com, 2019).
An aspect that I also observed in Flight Pattern was how well the dancers worked together in their duets; the performance was seamless because all the lifts and transference of weight looked so effortless and fluid, which really contributed to an enjoyable performance. The dancers relied on each other during all the counterbalances- this can be linked to how all the components of nature are interdependent and need each other to survive. The dynamics of both dances are very similar, both creating a very smooth performance.
The score plays a large part in conveying the theme of nature and the living world. Pite chose to choreograph to Max Richters adapted version of Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons', as this is such a renown piece it is interesting to see why Pite chose this over the original. Perhaps she wanted her piece to have a modern feel to it as this would also explain the loose trousers and "sheer tops" (Nytimes.com, 2019).
The setting for both of Pite's pieces are so different: in 'Flight Pattern' the backdrop is black which creates a dark feel to it however in 'The Seasons Canon' the lighting is a deep yellow/ gold colour, creating a warm and neutral atmosphere. In the first piece, the dark setting brings attention to the dancers in the spotlight but in the latter, the ambience is a factor in how calming the general aura of the performance is.
Additionally Pite's intentions for the narrative are clearer with 'Flight Pattern'. The initial part of the number is obviously about a mother-child relationship and throughout the piece, feelings of despair and sadness are shown effectively in contrast to 'The Seasons Canon'. In Pite's other piece her intentions and themes are slightly more ambiguous and open for interpretation. This slight ambiguity surrounding the meaning of the piece is quite effective as it means that the audience are engaged and trying to analyse/understand what is happening within the dance.
References
Fjord Review. (2019). Enigmatic Ode to Nature - Fjord Review. [online] Available at: https://www.fjordreview.com/crystal-pite-seasons-canon-paris-opera-ballet/ [Accessed 16 Nov. 2019].
Nytimes.com. (2019). Review: Paris Opera Ballet Kicks Off New Season With Futuristic Choreography. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/26/arts/dance/review-paris-opera-ballet-kicks-off-new-season-with-futuristic-choreography.html [Accessed 16 Nov. 2019].
Pite's 'The Seasons Canon' is an innovative piece that was created for the Paris Opera Ballet in 2016. In this critique I will be exploring comparisons in movement styles, dynamics and intentions featured in Pite's other work, 'Flight Pattern'. This choreography focuses on the natural world and can be interpreted as "tribal" or "futuristic" (Nytimes.com, 2019).
An aspect that I also observed in Flight Pattern was how well the dancers worked together in their duets; the performance was seamless because all the lifts and transference of weight looked so effortless and fluid, which really contributed to an enjoyable performance. The dancers relied on each other during all the counterbalances- this can be linked to how all the components of nature are interdependent and need each other to survive. The dynamics of both dances are very similar, both creating a very smooth performance.
The score plays a large part in conveying the theme of nature and the living world. Pite chose to choreograph to Max Richters adapted version of Vivaldi's 'The Four Seasons', as this is such a renown piece it is interesting to see why Pite chose this over the original. Perhaps she wanted her piece to have a modern feel to it as this would also explain the loose trousers and "sheer tops" (Nytimes.com, 2019).
The setting for both of Pite's pieces are so different: in 'Flight Pattern' the backdrop is black which creates a dark feel to it however in 'The Seasons Canon' the lighting is a deep yellow/ gold colour, creating a warm and neutral atmosphere. In the first piece, the dark setting brings attention to the dancers in the spotlight but in the latter, the ambience is a factor in how calming the general aura of the performance is.
Additionally Pite's intentions for the narrative are clearer with 'Flight Pattern'. The initial part of the number is obviously about a mother-child relationship and throughout the piece, feelings of despair and sadness are shown effectively in contrast to 'The Seasons Canon'. In Pite's other piece her intentions and themes are slightly more ambiguous and open for interpretation. This slight ambiguity surrounding the meaning of the piece is quite effective as it means that the audience are engaged and trying to analyse/understand what is happening within the dance.
References
Fjord Review. (2019). Enigmatic Ode to Nature - Fjord Review. [online] Available at: https://www.fjordreview.com/crystal-pite-seasons-canon-paris-opera-ballet/ [Accessed 16 Nov. 2019].
Nytimes.com. (2019). Review: Paris Opera Ballet Kicks Off New Season With Futuristic Choreography. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/26/arts/dance/review-paris-opera-ballet-kicks-off-new-season-with-futuristic-choreography.html [Accessed 16 Nov. 2019].
Well done, this is a great blog and I really enjoyed reading it. You spoke about how the dancers relied on each other’s, especially with the lifts, why do you think this is so important when performing?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think it's really important to have a good relationship with your partner. Trust is important as you have to trust them to carry your weight and it would be a very uncomfortable performance to watch if they didn't have this.
DeleteThis a detailed and very clear blog well done. I was interested to see your thoughts and opinions upon this piece and the similarities and differences you found between the first and work and this one.
ReplyDeleteYou have made some relevant points throughout this blog which I really enjoyed reading.
What do you feel the similarities and/or differences were between the movement material within this piece and the first piece you reviewed?
I feel that the movement vocabulary between these 2 pieces are very similar. Both have very slow and fluid movements and I would say that there is quite a large difference in the clarity of the narrative.
DeleteThis is a fantastic dance review, well done! You have deeply explored into the meaning of each movement and have considered many possible interpretations. There are some very interesting points that I had not considered myself which made it very intriguing to read!
ReplyDeleteDid you notice a similar style of movement between both Flight Pattern and Canon Duet? What was it in particular that made them both so different from one another?
Thank you! Yes the movement vocabulary was very similar and the way the narrative was presented was very different.
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ReplyDeleteYou have included some interesting points discussing Pite's piece, however, I would like you to develop your critical analysis 'Canon duet'. In your view, what do you think the piece trying to communicate or say to its audience? Please further discuss the style and movement used? What is the purpose behind the choreography and what impact did the music have and how did this have an effect on the piece? In your opinion, do you think the piece was successful - were there any parts you liked/disliked?
ReplyDeleteI feel that the piece is trying to convey lots of nature imagery to evoke emotions from the audience however I think it is very open to interpretation. Some people may watch it and think it is beautiful however some people may watch it and just think it is sad.
DeleteThe choreography style is similar to that of 'Flight Pattern' due to its fluidity and seamlessness- This created a very calming and almost ethereal effect.
Pite used Richter's adapted version of Vivaldi's four seasons which was interesting as it shows she wanted to stray away from traditional classical music however still had elements of it in there.
I think the piece was successful as it was very engaging from an audience's perspective. I liked how the choreography changes after the change in tempo as it was very enjoyable to watch.