Shadows: themes

Shadows: Style

Shadows is a contemporary dance piece, embodying fluid and stark movements.
Focuses on conveying emotion and storyline through body language and performance rather than technical complexity.
Utilizes contact work between the performers in the form of lifts, balance and trust exercises, embodying family support.

Shadows: Similarities with other dances

Shares elements with other contemporary pieces in freedom of movement and expression.
Similarities can be found in the use of personal, emotional storylines common in narrative dance.
Use of props, set pieces and costumes to enhance the storyline is a shared aspect with many stage performances.

Shadows: Differences to other dances

Shadows has a strong emphasis on the narrative and emotional engagement, which might not be as prominent in abstract or non-representational dances.
Use of a single prop (the table) throughout, which remains a constant factor, is not common in all dances.
The simplicity and realism of the costumes bring a sense of authenticity, differing from more stylised or fantastical pieces.

Shadows: Audience understanding

Keep in mind the lighting and costumes are specifically designed to help audience understanding of the theme and mood of the dance.
Movements are often repetitive and develop in synchronicity to reveal the underlying family theme.
The emotional journey of the characters is clearly portrayed through their body language and exchanges, aiming at creating an empathic bond with the audience.

Shadows: Purpose

The purpose of Shadows is to convey the story of a family living under the shadow of war.
It explores themes of fear, survival, and resilience in adversity.
A commentary on the human condition and a tribute to those who have struggled and persisted through times of war.

Shadows: Environment in which the dance was created and performed

Shadows was created during a time of political unrest, which might have influenced the themes and the emotional energy of the piece.
It was performed on a proscenium stage, allowing all audience members a clear view of the key elements of the choreography and the interactions between dancers.
The stage setting was minimalistic, placing focus on the dancers and their movements.

Shadows: Choreographer’s approach

The choreographer made use of real-life experiences and stories to create a relatable narrative.
Emphasis placed on the expression and transmission of emotion through movement.
Considered the dance as a means of communicating a storyline rather than showcasing technical prowess or aesthetic quality alone.

Remember to always relate the elements of the dance back to their purpose in terms of the storyline, themes and emotional journey. The ability to appreciate dance is largely about interpretation and the links you draw between different components of a piece.