09 Nov Dance 251 : Looking at Dance
Part 1. 100 points
Watch ACT 2 of the video of Swan Lake from our required videos. This should be your second viewing of it. It runs from about 32’ to 1:03’ This is the famous lakeside scene.
Using Sklar’s " MOVEMENT OBSERVATION GUIDELINES" FROM WEEK 1 (NOT THE "PREMISES" FROM WEEK 2!!!!) describe and analyze the goings on in Act 2. . Focus your writing primarily on the entrance of the Swans through to the end of the act. Include in your writing a DETAILED description of the different sections beginning with the entrance of the corps in the serpentine line all the way to the finish of act 2. Describe what the different sections are like, who is doing what, how are they moving, really try to describe the movement in as much detail as you can and how meaning can be found in it. YOU must use the guidelines. We can all safely assume this is performed in a theater and you are watching a performance on the stage of the Royal Opera House in London. I am assuming you are familiar with the story of what happens in act two for starters, so there should be no guessing where that is concerned - there is a distinct narrative and you should know what it is before you start writing- there are sections that are where pure dance and narrative mix, and that you should be writing about - how the narrative is served by the movement.
Part 2. 100 points
Watch Martha Graham’s “Diversion of Angels” again and using Sklar’s observation guidelines again describe and analyze the work. The ENTIRE work. There is a different kind of narrative here, and it is very different from Swan Lake….. a different way of communicating. How does Graham deal with it? These are both about love in different ways right? just for starters……
These essays should be a minimum two double space pages 12 -pt. font each. Writing more is not always better, but i do believe it would be a challenge to get a thorough description in two pages. Please do not play games with margins. I do mean two FULL pages minimum.
You will be graded on how completely and effectively you use Sklar’s movement observation guidelines for the purpose of this assignment, as well as how you are able to demonstrate an ability to describe movement and discuss meaning.
I am not interested in outside sources for this assignment,I am interested in your own words, not those of others for this assignment. A little research never hurts, it might help you to see it more clearly – but I do want your thoughts and observations about these two works.
GUIDELINES:
- Sklar’s guidelines must be followed: “What do you notice? setting, time, space, shape, floor pattern, focus of attention & making connections.” USE THESE GUIDELINES throughout each of these works
- Use logical clarity and flow in your writing; concise but easy to follow
- Present tense to describe art works.
- These are not "shows" or "plays", these are dance works, one ballet and one modern dance work. There are no "routines" in these dances, only different sections,
- Grammar, spelling (no excuses) all are considered part of your grade
- Proofread CAREFULLY! Have someone else help you, especially if writing is not your strong suit.
- Titles in quotations or italics! Diversion of Angels or "Swan Lake Act 2"
