CRITICAL REVIEW OF DANCE PIECE #3
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/lju0oiiffam5rut/AABKDV5jnaU_xNFLVve7DttGa?dl=0&preview=Pite+3+-+Emergence+Excerpt.MP4.m4v
Pite's Piece Emergence was created in 2009 for the National Ballet of Canada (En.wikipedia.org, 2019) She was able to draw inspiration from a book 'Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities and Software'(Scene, 2019). In this critique I will be exploring comparisons in movement style, dynamics and intentions of 'Emergence' and the two other pieces I have previously reviewed.
I feel that the narrative and influences of this piece are so different to 'Flight Pattern' and 'The Seasons Canon'. This work aims to show the parallels between the "social organization of bees and the hierarchical nature of classical ballet companies"(Scene, 2019) however in contrast to this, 'Flight Pattern' depicts the flight of refugees. Although Pite can create touching and emotional pieces that can relate to current issues, it is also interesting to see how she can take a concept and explore it so creatively. Not a lot of people would automatically make a correlation between the organisation of bees and ballet companies, this thought process just shows how innovative she is.
However, it is clear to me that Pite choreographed all of these pieces. The similarities in the seamless dynamics of each piece are a trademark of hers and there is a beautiful sense of fluidity in 'Flight Pattern', 'The seasons canon' and 'emergence'.
Although this piece has so many aspects that contribute to a feeling of power and conviction, I don't believe that it affects the audience as much as 'Flight Pattern' did. The use of unity and mass movement created almost an overwhelming effect however since the stimulus of this piece wasn't as strong as Flight Pattern's one it didn't touch audiences in the same way. Pite was able to evoke sympathy for it as it had such an emotional narrative with themes of desperation and motherhood (making it more relatable for audiences) but on the other hand, I believe it would be more difficult for an audience of non-dancers to be able to relate to bees or ballet companies.
In comparison to 'The seasons canon' I feel as though these pieces are quite similar as they both have strong nature influences. Both of these works have a background with a calming aura as opposed to 'Flight Pattern' which is just darkness.
After watching 'Emergence', I did not immediately guess what the stimulus was; although I think that bringing awareness to hierarchal issues within companies is a valid one, it may be difficult for people to pick up if they don't already know what it is about. Pite's creativity and ability to choreograph something so abstract is admirable however the ambiguity of the piece could possibly not work in her favour. How are people supposed to increase awareness to these sorts of problems if it is difficult to see them and understand in the first place?
References
Pite's Piece Emergence was created in 2009 for the National Ballet of Canada (En.wikipedia.org, 2019) She was able to draw inspiration from a book 'Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities and Software'(Scene, 2019). In this critique I will be exploring comparisons in movement style, dynamics and intentions of 'Emergence' and the two other pieces I have previously reviewed.
I feel that the narrative and influences of this piece are so different to 'Flight Pattern' and 'The Seasons Canon'. This work aims to show the parallels between the "social organization of bees and the hierarchical nature of classical ballet companies"(Scene, 2019) however in contrast to this, 'Flight Pattern' depicts the flight of refugees. Although Pite can create touching and emotional pieces that can relate to current issues, it is also interesting to see how she can take a concept and explore it so creatively. Not a lot of people would automatically make a correlation between the organisation of bees and ballet companies, this thought process just shows how innovative she is.
However, it is clear to me that Pite choreographed all of these pieces. The similarities in the seamless dynamics of each piece are a trademark of hers and there is a beautiful sense of fluidity in 'Flight Pattern', 'The seasons canon' and 'emergence'.
Although this piece has so many aspects that contribute to a feeling of power and conviction, I don't believe that it affects the audience as much as 'Flight Pattern' did. The use of unity and mass movement created almost an overwhelming effect however since the stimulus of this piece wasn't as strong as Flight Pattern's one it didn't touch audiences in the same way. Pite was able to evoke sympathy for it as it had such an emotional narrative with themes of desperation and motherhood (making it more relatable for audiences) but on the other hand, I believe it would be more difficult for an audience of non-dancers to be able to relate to bees or ballet companies.
In comparison to 'The seasons canon' I feel as though these pieces are quite similar as they both have strong nature influences. Both of these works have a background with a calming aura as opposed to 'Flight Pattern' which is just darkness.
After watching 'Emergence', I did not immediately guess what the stimulus was; although I think that bringing awareness to hierarchal issues within companies is a valid one, it may be difficult for people to pick up if they don't already know what it is about. Pite's creativity and ability to choreograph something so abstract is admirable however the ambiguity of the piece could possibly not work in her favour. How are people supposed to increase awareness to these sorts of problems if it is difficult to see them and understand in the first place?
References
En.wikipedia.org. (2019). Crystal Pite. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Pite [Accessed 28 Nov. 2019].
Scene, S. (2019). Crystal Pite’s “Emergence” Examines Hive Intelligence In PNB’s Spring Program | Seattle Gay Scene | Your Daily Gay In Seattle. [online] Seattlegayscene.com. Available at: https://seattlegayscene.com/2018/04/crystal-pites-emergence-examines-hive-intelligence-in-pnbs-spring-program/ [Accessed 28 Nov. 2019].
Well done Caitlyn, you have written a detailed blog with a clear structure. It was interesting to read about your perspective of the piece and to understand why this wasn't your favourite of Crystal Pite's work. Could you read any reviews of this piece to see if audiences had a similar opinion to you and to work out the impact that this piece has had on the audience/industry?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I did see one review that mentioned how they expected more from such a famous choreographer however all the reviews were mostly positive.
DeleteThis is a very detailed blog, and you have answered all the questions that have been given. You mentioned that the unity and mass movement created, almost had an overwhelming affect. What decision led you to think this? By reading your blog, you have portrayed that this piece of choreography isn't your favourite. What makes the other pieces Pite has made more eye catching for you?
ReplyDeleteThank you! I feel that anything in big numbers or a large mass can be overwhelming. Almost like being swallowed up in a big group or being stuck in a large crowed. I'd probably say that 'Flight Pattern' is my favourite of Pite's work as it has such an emotional narrative.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your comparisons between Pite's work. You discussed the 'seamless' dynamics in all 3 of the works, how did the movement vocabulary vary between the 3 pieces? Were there any movements used in 'Emergence' that didn't feature in the other pieces?
ReplyDeleteThank you! I feel as though the dynamics in 'Emergence' were a lot faster and sharper than those of 'Flight Pattern'. 'Emergence' was en pointe therefore there was lots of releves which has a very different feel to a sombre and slower 'Flight Pattern'.
DeleteThis is a very well written blog with a clear and very understandable structure. As well as this you included a lot of detail and thought into writing your vlog. What did you specifically enjoy about this piece of choreography? And was there any movements that Pite choreographed that particularly caught your eye that you may be interested in exploring further?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I enjoyed the unison as I feel it made for a very effective piece. I really liked all the upper body movement that was used especially in the unison parts. I would like to explore this in my choreography as it is an idea that I feel can be developed into something really beautiful.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog Caitlyn, I wondered which of Pite's pieces was the most successful in portraying the narrative and why?
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think 'Flight Pattern' was the most successful in portraying the narrative as the choreography, lighting and costumes really worked well together to convey the stimulus effectively.
Deletethis is a very detailed review in which you have included your own thoughts and feelings based upon this piece in comparison to the others you have reviewed. You have discussed the similarities and differences between each piece in detail as well as some relevant research upon the work.
ReplyDeletewhy do you feel Pite has included strong nature influences in the pieces emergence and the seasons canon?
this was a very interesting blog in which I enjoyed reading, well done.
Thank you! I feel that many ideas and inspirations can stem from nature as it is such a big stimulus, this is probably what inspired Pite to use it.
DeleteThis is a very clear and thorough review of Pite's piece and you included your own opinion and ideas to her pieces.
ReplyDeleteContinuing on with this, is there any piece you particularly preferred than the others? Which one and why?
Thanks! 'Flight Pattern' is my favourite piece as it has such an interesting narrative.
DeleteExcellent work! You have brought up some interesting points within your review, clearly highlighting the differences and similarities between Crystal Pite's choreographic work. Please further develop your analysis of 'Emergence'. In your view, what do you think the piece trying to communicate or say to its audience? What was the purpose behind the movement, costume and music 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? Reflecting back at all three pieces, which piece did you like best and why?
ReplyDeleteI think that 'Emergence' is more about the effect it will have on the audience as it is such a powerful piece. All the dancers move with impetus and dynamics which makes for an engaging performance. I feel as though the music is almost ominous sounding which adds to this audience engagement.
DeleteI'd say that this piece was successful because it was interesting however I found it hard to keep engaged the whole way through as I couldn't understand the narrative or what was going on. I enjoyed 'Flight Pattern' the most as I found it the most emotive.