Within Her Eyes: Choreographer's approach

Within Her Eyes: Choreographer’s approach

Choreographical Intent

James Cousins’ creative approach was primarily a narrative one focusing on telling a story about dependent relationship.
He aimed to communicate the difficulty of trying to support someone who can’t move forward in life, symbolizing the emotional weight.

Interpretation and Delivery

The dancers are supposed to embody the characters and communicate the deep layers of emotions and personal relationships.
Much of the meaning is conveyed through facial expressions, body language and proxemics. This can inform the student’s own approach to interpreting and communicating a narrative through movement.

Movement and Content

Cousins employs a fusion of Contemporary and Release techniques with some traces of Contact Improvisation.
Elements such as contact work, weight-bearing and floor-work are dominant.
There is a rhythmic connection between the dancers which forms a visual line or thread that sustains the emotive power of the dance.

Use of Space and Choreographic Devices

Cousins used various choreographic devices such as unison, canon, motif, repetition and inversion.
He uses the space innovatively by incorporating lifts and balances that challenge gravitational laws. The use of levels and directions is quite dynamic.
The physical setting plays an integral role in creating the overall mood and atmosphere of the dance piece.

Experimentation and Innovation

Cousins’ approach was experimental as he pushed the boundaries of contemporary dance.
He used the dancers’ bodies to create unique shapes and movements that continually evolve throughout the dance piece.
The gravity-defying lifts and balances are considered as Cousins’ signature style which students can analyze and draw inspiration from.

Remember, understanding a choreographer’s approach is crucial to appreciating their work. Always consider the intent behind the choreography, the delivery of the dancers, and the methods used to create the piece.