Emancipation of Expressionism: Staging and set

Emancipation of Expressionism: Staging and set

Staging and Set of Emancipation of Expressionism

  • The dance work is set in an urban landscape. The familiar setting of a street adds an element of realism to the performance and enhances our understanding of the style and intent of the work.
  • The location is significant for conveying the theme of oppression and struggle- it helps in setting the mood of the story. This urban stage, with its harsh and hard exterior, helps in depicting the need to escape from the harsh realities and find solace through expression.
  • The simplicity of the set helps in drawing focus to the complexity of the choreography. The performers and the movements take the centre stage in the presentation.
  • The setting brings out the elements of confrontation, struggle but also connectivity and commonality.

Performers and Costumes

  • Dancers are dressed in casual street wear reinforcing the idea of urban culture and daily struggle.
  • The clothing also allows the dancers to move freely, demonstrating the flexible and fluid movements of hip hop and street dance.

Choreography

  • The dance contains moments of high energy and intense physicality. The mood swings from being intense to being casual, reflecting our daily lives.
  • It involves complex movement patterns that show the necessary strength, speed and precision required for this style of dance.
  • Choreography emphasises the importance of unity and community. The synchronicity and uniformity demonstrated highlights the idea of shared struggles and shared dreams.
  • Narrative elements within the choreography provide a storyline for the audience and help in holding their interest and maintaining engagement.

Important takeaway: Emancipation of Expressionism reflects the ethos of urban culture and the use of hip hop and street dance as a means of expression and freedom. Remember the lack of physical set and the role of urban landscape and costuming in creating the setting.