Looking
at the tasks and strategies explored in this module, discuss the difference
between choreographing for a solo compared to a group piece. Take into
consideration theories and practices from current and past choreographers as
well as your own experiences.
One difference I discovered was that “When
collaboratively choreographing a group piece I found chance methods a more
effective tool to use, than when producing a solo.”Hodges.N(2016) Reasoning for this is when choreographing a
solo, chance only determines the dynamics and movements meaning its full
potential is not used.
By
incorporating chance into group choreography, it gave me an additional layer making
it unlike a solo. I introduced choreographic devices such as cannon, unison and
accumulation, resulting in the choreography becoming more in-depth.
Merce Cunningham and Alexander Ekman, have
both choreographed solos through chance. A past example by Merce Cunningham is
Split Sides 2003 and also Alexander Ekman's current work with Thoughts at the
Bolshoi 2015.They counteract my opinion that chance methods work better within
group work, due to amount of success they have received by working in this way
on solo pieces.
Additionally
another difference I uncovered was the use of space. When choreographing a solo
my direction of movement became linear, giving my work uninteresting pathways.
Making it different to when I choreographed a group, as I used the space more
efficiently through use of formations.
Rudolf Labans Kinesphere worked well to
correct this problem when used alongside chance “I found that this was useful
as it gave you a predetermined direction to travel in, pushing me to use the
space.”Hodges.N(2015) However I feel this method would not work well within a
group piece, because pathways need to be established accurately for the
protection of the dancers.
It became
clear that Different methods work better for a group than in solo. For example
Replacement methods in my view it “prevents the performance from looking overcrowded
while also encouraging the choreographer to use the space
effectively.”Hodges.N(2016) Although I could experiment with the idea within
solo choreography by replacing the soloist, I believe this strategy is most
effective within group choreography.
Siegel.B,M(1985)
States that a group “extends ideas beyond what a soloist can do” I coincide
with this as when I am choreographing a solo, I become restricted with the
movements available to me, because they do not have enough impact. The differentiating
factor being that in a group I can add more performers and create formations
making my work stronger.
Also Group work can lead to contact meaning,
the dancers can go higher for longer and counteract each other’s weight. This makes it very different to solo work when
there is only one body and gravity to work with.
“These
extra aspects became a challenge to incorporate smoothly into group
choreography, as it was something I didn’t experience when choreographing a
solo.”Hodges.N(2016) In spite of that I felt that adding in contact gave the
choreography an element of surprise that a solo could not offer.
Without question I also discovered
similarities, I recognized the importance for choreographing with intent in
both a solo and a group. Elfeldt.L supports this by suggesting that “A novice
in any art needs to proceed on the basis of conscious intent” I push to do this within my work to create more
captivating material as only then will the choreographic strategies be used
fully
Mead.T(2016)
states “I am so used to thinking about mistakes and how to avoid them that I
refuse to do the thing that I know works better” this is something that most
choreographers experience when creating work whether it is a solo or a group
piece.
I discovered that by setting myself
choreographic tasks, it aided me to overcome the fear of making mistakes,
allowing me to explore more movements. The difference I found when
choreographing a group was that I could adapt and expand the tasks to suit my
needs and more possibilities became available to explore.
I came
across many differences when choreographing a group piece compared to a solo,
you have more bodies, more opportunities, and the potential for contact work.
Some methods and strategies worked more effectively in one than another, but in
my view it is the choreographer’s intention that affects what works within the
piece.
I learnt that I could adapt the choreographic
tools to suit what I was choreographing and used what worked for me. “Personally
I liked avoidance tasks in that I like my work to look powerful, this method
pushed me in this direction in both solos and group choreography.” Hodges.N(2016)
Reverence:
Books:
Ellfeldt.L(1988)A
Primer For Choreographers, USA, Waveland \Press, Inc.Pg:20
Mead.T(2016)Rhythm
And Repetition…The Art Of Cemented Choreography, England, SwineDragon Press
Siegel.B.M(1985)The
Shapes Of Change; Images Of American Dance, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London,
University Of California Press,pg:127
Online:
My
Choreography Blogg[online]10/03/2016[10/03/2016]UK,
Blogger, Available at: http://natashahodgeschoreography.blogspot.co.uk/
Bibliography:
Books:
Ellfeldt.L(1988)A
Primer For Choreographers, USA, Waveland \Press, Inc.Pg:20
Mead.T(2016)Rhythm
And Repetition…The Art Of Cemented Choreography, England, SwineDragon Press
Siegel.B.M(1985)The
Shapes Of Change; Images Of American Dance, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London,
University Of California Press,pg:127
Online:
My
Choreography Blogg[online]10/03/2016[10/03/2016]UK,
Blogger, Available at: http://natashahodgeschoreography.blogspot.co.uk/
Alexander
Ekman[online]unknown[10/03/2016]New York, unknown,
Available at: http://alexekman.com/news/
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