Fan section of Revelations

In today's dance class rehearsals we were going over the dynamics and the facial features that has to be applied to the fan section of Alvin Ailey's dance, "Revelations". It explores the attitudes such as salvation and redemption from living in a vast majority of a white westernised American culture. The exploration of the redemption within the fan section demonstrates on how that black African American women are seen as inferior towards the whole majority of the dominant white American Culture. As, Alvin Ailey wanted to explore on how that African Americans are not treated fairly and equally compared to the rest. This demonstrates on how that Alvin Ailey wanted to prove the assumptions made by White Americans and compose on an challenge through movement that he wanted to explore on. It is the transformation of an social progression from slavery towards freedom and salvation. This section has been described as the dancers desire for deliverance which has been composed on the heart and struggle. Which becomes explored by the  substantial choreography and graphical image that  the dancers are projecting. The fact that there is nine dancers in this section represents a unity and collective of dancers that want to explore representing their race beneath inspection. This section involves gospel high chanted music that all of the dancers performed in.

One of my strengths within this section is the clarity of the movements. For example, I was able to explore this in the means of demonstrating and performing the movements accurately. Also, demonstrated it to a sufficient good degree. By performing the movements in front of the dance studio with the mirrors has helped me present and show my movements more accurately. For example, there are constant balances that speak out the reaching and the aiming of freedom and salvation that the all the dancers want to receive.

Another strength that I have is my use of turn-out. For example, one way that this was explored and demonstrated is through my left leg raising in a releve (demonstrating the turn out position that needs to be applied while our leg being extended and pointed when slowly rising it up). The use of the turn out position is very important when applying it. For instance, of which is very applicable towards the techniques in Revelations that we are learning such as Graham and Horton technique.

The last strength that I have noticed is my placement of my arms and legs. For instance, one way of how this was demonstrated is through making sure that my legs and arms are in line and that they are also in a turn out position. By checking the placement of my arms and legs I am using the dance studio mirrors when recording myself performing the dance. Producing and showing that I am doing and have alignment and further extensions within my legs. Which is demonstrated as one of the key themes and essentials of Alvin Ailey's dance works. Furthermore, the use of Alvin Ailey's extensions are being used to portray a dynamic choreography. Which stimulates a speak of truth and assurance in the faith that they share within the Christianity religion that Alvin Ailey is represented by.  

One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is my use of timing. For example, one way that this was shown is through not always reaching the same counts to get into the next movement which everyone is already in. One way of how I can improve on my timing is by self recording myself doing and performing the dance regularly. Also, to go through 8 counts of each movement/phrases while listening to the music to help me identify with the correct counts and rhythmic features which the dance  explores and touches upon throughout.

Another weakness that I have noticed is my use of character within this section. For example, the dancers in this section are meant to show representations of searching and aiming towards having a new life which contains baptism which is illustrated as a form of salvation. One aspect of how I can improve on my use of character is by looking at the video of the fan section. To find out the dancer within the section that I am playing to see and capture how there facial expressions and character is applied. Then, I should self-record myself to see how I have made improvements.

The last weakness that I have noticed is my use of isolation's within the dance. For example, one way of how this was shown is through when we had to isolate our head whilst holding the fan in front of us. When doing the isolated tilt of our head to represent the technique influences of graham technique that Alvin Ailey thought was crucial within his piece of dance. I am going to be working and improving on my use of isolation's within the dance is by practicing exercises of graham technique i.e. deep stretches/prances.