Question One
A) Describe the ways ONE element of dance (body, space, time energy, or relationships) that
is important in the dance work is used or seen in the work.
In the dance Poor Boy choreographed by Mark Baldwin and seen in Ihi Frenzy space is used
as an important element of dance. It is shown through the use of pathways, direction,
formations, level and size of movements and focus.
Throughout the dance many pathways are created with ‘contemporary’ arm movements. A
good example of this is at the beginning of the piece when the male explores personal space
with swinging movement of the arms directed towards the centre of his body. This contrasts
with the pathways presented with a more classical style of ballet where the the corps de ballet
explore general space with an open arm movement presented towards the audience.
Pathways are also shown through the motion of walking. This can be seen at the beginning of
the dance when one of the female dancers enters from stage right and walks in a circular
pathway around the male dancer. This pathway contrasts with the more ridged, diagonal and
linear pathways demonstrated by the three male ‘dreamers’.
The male dancers frequently use rigid and somewhat strict directions such as enface (to the
front) and diagonal and horizontal paths. The female dancers also utilise these directions
whereas the corps de ballet primarily use en face and some diagonals. On the whole the male
dancer can be seen to explore a wider variety of pathways as they are also utilise a path
directed upstage when they are running.
The dance is comprised of movements that vary in size and levels. Low levels are apparent
when the floor is used to produce movement. A good example of this is when the first male
dancer performs a backwards roll on the ground and when the female dancers drag their toes
along the floor whilst lunging. This lunging movement also makes use of medium levels. A
more perceptible example of a ‘medium level’ movement is when the first male dancer
performs an arabesque with a flat back. High levels are shown by the large sautés performed
by the male dancers and also through the lift in the tableau formation.
Many formations are fashioned throughout the dance, the most significant of which are the
battle formation and the tableau. Straight lines, diagonal and triangular structures are also
performed by the male dancers.
Throughout the dance the male dreamers direct their focus towards the female dancers.
Therefore the use of space, amid and around the dancers, is an important aspect of the dance.
It creates a sense of awareness and connection between all performers and makes the dance
more intriguing and interesting for the viewer.
B) Discuss how the use of this element creates interest in the dance work.
The dance element of space has been used to create interest.
Personal space explored by different pathways of arm movement is an interesting aspect of
the dance as it can be seen to challenge the conventional aesthetics of classical ballet. Ballet
movements more commonly utilise general space whereas in Poor Boy movements are more
confined, abstract and diverse. In saying this however, general space is also used, as
described in question a (arms open forward to audience) which not only creates a contrasts
with movements exploited in personal but invites the audience into the dance work; therefore,
broadening their interest.
Pathways explored by the female and male dancers differ which directly relates to the main
idea of the dance. The male dancers utilise very strict and linear pathways, formations and
direction of movement so as to portray their situation of being trapped in a boring factory
dreaming of a better life. On the contrary, the pathways displayed by the female dancers
provide a sense of freedom as they are not bound in direct route. This signifies them being
‘temptresses’; temping the males to join in their freedom. This relation not only connects to
the storyline of the dance but adds textual laying to the dance work. Thus, allowing the
audience to interpret the movements in different ways. This makes for a very interesting and
challenging dance work.
The different levels used throughout the dance; high, medium and low, creates interest as it
the audience is presented with a variety of movement. To expand movement using a variety
of levels makes the movement more eye-catching and diverse and more appealing to the
viewer.
The use of battle formations creates interest by bringing something new to traditional ballet.
This relates to the Maori formation when the males protect the females. The tableau
formation creates interest as it is comprised of different levels which are aesthetically
pleasing.