Artificial Things: Structuring Devices

Artificial Things: Structuring Devices

  • Motif Development: The choreography in “Artificial Things” often utilizes motifs and develops these motifs throughout the performance.
  • Repetition and Variation: The movement sequences are often repeated but with subtle variations. This keeps the audience engaged while maintaining a sense of unity in the performance.
  • Contrast: Strong use of contrast is evident in the performance. This can be seen in the juxtaposition of solo and ensemble work, energetic and slowed movement sequences, and different spatial orientations.

Artificial Things: Lighting

  • Use of Shadows: The performance uses lighting to create shadows for visual effect and to emphasize certain movements.
  • Change in Lighting: Changes in lighting are used to signal transitions between different sections of the dance or changes in mood and dynamics.
  • Color of Lighting: Different colors of lighting are used to evoke specific moods or atmospheres.

Artificial Things: Properties

  • Use of Props: Props are strategically used in the performance. Pay attention to how they’re interacted with by the dancers and how they contribute to the overall narrative and concept of the piece.
  • Symbolism of Properties: Properties aren’t just there for aesthetic or practical reasons, they also carry symbolic weight. Consider what they might represent in the context of the performance.

Artificial Things: Costume

  • Color and Design: The color and design of costumes can reflect the characters’ roles and convey the overall tone of the performance.
  • Integration with Movement: The costumes are designed to work with the choreography, emphasizing certain movements and not restricting the dancers.

Artificial Things: Dancers

  • Role of Dancers: Dancers play specific roles throughout the dance. The ways these roles interact and contrast with each other is important to note.
  • Movement Quality: Each dancer brings a unique movement quality to the performance which can range from fluid to abrupt, light to heavy, yielding to resisting.

Artificial Things: Aural Settings

  • Soundscapes: A variety of soundscapes are utilized in “Artificial Things.” These can enhance the visuals or provide a contrasting element.
  • Use of Silence: The places where sound is absent are just as significant as the places where sound is present. This helps to pique the viewers’ interest and emphasize certain moments.

Artificial Things: Dance for Camera

  • Camera Angles: Observe the varying camera angles used in the presentation of the dance. Each angle helps to highlight different aspects of the performance.
  • Close-ups and Long Shots: Pay attention to when close-ups and long shots are used. These can give you a different perspective on the movements.

Artificial Things: Performance Environment

  • Proscenium Arch: Performances in a proscenium arch theatre usually have a clear front, back, and sides.
  • End Stage: An end-stage setup can create an intimate feeling, as if the audience is directly interacting with the performers.
  • In-the-round: In an in-the-round setup, the performers are surrounded by the audience on all sides. This can change how the choreography is viewed and interpreted.
  • Site Sensitive: Site-sensitive works are choreographed with a specific performance location in mind. Elements of the location will be incorporated into the dance.

Artificial Things: Choreographer’s Approach

  • Use of Gesture: The choreography features noticeable use of gesture. These are not just movements, but can also convey meaning and emotion in the dance.
  • Influence of Other Dance Styles: The choreography draws influences from a range of dance styles. The inclusion of these styles can add depth and complexity to the performance.

Artificial Things: Movement Content

  • Actions: Actions are the basic building blocks of a dance sequence. It’s important to note the different actions used, how they flow together, and what they contribute to the dance.
  • Dynamics: Dynamics refer to the different energy levels or ‘moods’ of a dance. They can greatly influence how a dance sequence is interpreted.
  • Space: This is the use of space in a dance performance. Observe the different spatial patterns, levels, and paths used.
  • Relationships: This refers to how the dancers interact with each other during the performance. Look for patterns, contrasts, and how these relationships contribute to the performance overall.