First Year: Review on 'In Countenance of Kings' by Justin Peck
We were set work to watch a piece of choreography called 'In Countenance of Kings' by Justin Peck and to take notes and answer questions on the following:
My thoughts and narrative on this piece for me was that it came across as a dream. A dream was of herself in a rich or royal aspect and the physical setting and accompaniment complimented this idea. It also showed encouragement at the very beginning of the piece and it gave a sense of freedom and strength.
For the audiences perspective, it could be a message for hopes and dreams and it could perhaps inspire the audience to achieve what they dream of. The piece altogether is very fast and upbeat which gives out a positive ambiance. With the choreography being fast pace it also portrays a sense of chaos and organised and unorganised patterns are seen throughout the movement.
The movements and the overall piece is quite repetitive and neo-classical as it has an involvement of ballet and contemporary which I personally think worked successfully in this choreography.
The dancers are shown in numerous ways however what stands out the most for me is the fact that no one has a solo which continues the idea of freedom in the sense that everyone is equal. Duets are seen first with no contact with each other but further into the piece, contact partner work is seen with a male and female which involved a series of lifts as an example.
Choreographic devices were shown throughout the piece as I noticed unison from the first duet, which also included another device which was mirroring. I also found at the very end of the piece, accumulation and repetition was seen in the final group where everyone was with a partner and the female in front jumping from side to side with assistance of the male behind.
We then watched a small documentary of Justin Peck on the Choreographic Process of the piece. He mentioned that he starts with the music and formulates ideas from the music score first. Peck also "uses his body as an instrument" as he works through movement with the principal dancers and meets them halfway with choreography. He then works with the core which he talks about how he likes using a large cast for his pieces. Peck quoted from Balanchine "No new steps only new combinations" which he chooses to follow whilst choreographing. He is known to have an artistic mind as he touches on how he sketches and draws his ideas which links to creating patterns in his pieces. After that, he then includes lighting and costume.
Peck is known to be inside his choreography but it is admirable and he wants his choreography to not be obvious as he incorporates different soloists, partner work e.t.c.
Altogether, I enjoyed the piece and found that his process is inspiring and I may use exerts of his process when it comes to my own choreographing.
My thoughts and narrative on this piece for me was that it came across as a dream. A dream was of herself in a rich or royal aspect and the physical setting and accompaniment complimented this idea. It also showed encouragement at the very beginning of the piece and it gave a sense of freedom and strength.
For the audiences perspective, it could be a message for hopes and dreams and it could perhaps inspire the audience to achieve what they dream of. The piece altogether is very fast and upbeat which gives out a positive ambiance. With the choreography being fast pace it also portrays a sense of chaos and organised and unorganised patterns are seen throughout the movement.
The movements and the overall piece is quite repetitive and neo-classical as it has an involvement of ballet and contemporary which I personally think worked successfully in this choreography.
The dancers are shown in numerous ways however what stands out the most for me is the fact that no one has a solo which continues the idea of freedom in the sense that everyone is equal. Duets are seen first with no contact with each other but further into the piece, contact partner work is seen with a male and female which involved a series of lifts as an example.
Choreographic devices were shown throughout the piece as I noticed unison from the first duet, which also included another device which was mirroring. I also found at the very end of the piece, accumulation and repetition was seen in the final group where everyone was with a partner and the female in front jumping from side to side with assistance of the male behind.
We then watched a small documentary of Justin Peck on the Choreographic Process of the piece. He mentioned that he starts with the music and formulates ideas from the music score first. Peck also "uses his body as an instrument" as he works through movement with the principal dancers and meets them halfway with choreography. He then works with the core which he talks about how he likes using a large cast for his pieces. Peck quoted from Balanchine "No new steps only new combinations" which he chooses to follow whilst choreographing. He is known to have an artistic mind as he touches on how he sketches and draws his ideas which links to creating patterns in his pieces. After that, he then includes lighting and costume.
Peck is known to be inside his choreography but it is admirable and he wants his choreography to not be obvious as he incorporates different soloists, partner work e.t.c.
Altogether, I enjoyed the piece and found that his process is inspiring and I may use exerts of his process when it comes to my own choreographing.
ReplyDeletePlease expand and go into further detail when analysing and reflecting upon this specific piece. Think about, what aspects of the piece lead you to this perspective/ your thoughts? Why did the choreographer incorporate certain movements/patterns and choreographic devices/emotions? What could this use of partner work portray? Please further discuss your opinion of the piece. Was it successful? What other ideas were discussed within the lesson? How did the use of trainers affect the piece?
Looking back at this review, I don't think I looked Feldman's method of criticism thoroughly enough so I apologise for that.
DeleteThis is a descriptive blog showing your ideas and thoughts on this piece of choreography. You mentioned that the movement of this piece is repetitive and neo-classical. Can you expand on this point and discuss your personal view on how effective this choreography and movement style is? well done this is a well written blog.
ReplyDeleteI think incorporating repetition and unison together especially in this piece as an ensemble makes the movement seem a lot stronger and passionate and the group becomes more unified in this particular section.
DeleteFor the intention behind it, in my opinion, I think they should've included more ensemble sections.