In dance rehearsals one of the identifications of the strength in this piece is the general shape of the dance. For example, the formations of the piece is reflective to the one that we had to see of this section of "Revelations". At the beginning there was a use of space between all of us as dancers. Which was expected for Revelations, as Alvin Ailey's intentions was for the dancers to reach out and use elements such as extensions to see how far they can go. To what extent that they can aim for. The extensions within Alvin Ailey's work signifies on how African Americans were having a struggle of not being considered or treated as fairly and equally. Alvin Ailey wanted to explore the entrapment and isolation in which that he knew that he had experience within his childhood.
Another strength which was recognisable is use of plies. For example, in the beginning of the section when we had to bend down in a lunge in second position using arm extensions. Which could connote on how there is this foreboding effect of there being a barrier of the dancers being able to reach and come out of the box. This creates the whole idea of how that there is no way out. As, the movements are very contained as it demonstrates an attitude of having a certain limitation. Which Alvin Ailey had thought that he had.
The last strength that I noticed within us practicing the dance is the relationship between everyone as dancers. For example, I explore the attitudes of unity with the surroundings of all the dancers. Which is one of Alvin Ailey's key aspects of the dance is the use of unity and unison. To show that all of us as dancers are together as one. It explores the concepts and attitudes of how if one person does not do it at the same time it does not seem as a whole. The use of unity symbolises a force of protest which Alvin Ailey wanted to explore within the dance. He wanted to demonstrate on how Black African Americans were treated nothing but animals. The reason why he wanted to modern dance and the hardship of slavery and going to church to build and create an story.
One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is the placement of my arms. For example, when we had to put our arms up on a straight line when were in first position. Not all of us had our arm in the right placement, some of our arms were too high up or very low down. One way of how I can improve the placement of my arms is by doing exercises such as putting my arms in first position and second position within the contemporary dance style. Also, doing this while using the mirrors in the dance studio would help with placement of the arms.
Another weakness that I have identified is the use of dynamics. For example, when I was doing the turns I need to use more control and be counting out of when I do the turns. This shows that when practicing my movements within the dance that I need to sustain the movements more. In addition, making sure that the movements are sustained and a good use of the core and torso. That was required within Alvin Ailey's dance piece.
The last weakness that I have identified is my use of timing within the piece. For example, I was behind when we had to do the repetition of the motif in the beginning. As, I was drawing through my movements. This demonstrates on how I was rushing some of the movements or I was doing some of the movements on more counts than others. The use of the repetition of the motif shows more of a symbolic element of restriction and containment. As, the movements become more drained out. One element of how I can improve on my timing is by going through the first section in different parts and doing eight counts at a time. To help structure with the timing and the clarity of the movements.
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