Artificial Things
Artificial Things is a thought-provoking contemporary dance work included in the GCSE Dance Anthology. This piece explores themes of isolation and life's limitations, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and the imagery of a snow globe.
The performance features four dancers (2 male, 2 female) in a proscenium arch setting. The costumes are distinctive and character-specific:
- Amy wears a green thigh-length dress
- Laura dons a sleeveless cream top with bright blue streaks
- Dave is dressed in a white collared short-sleeved shirt and grey trousers
- Dan sports a pale green t-shirt and grey trousers
Vocabulary: Proscenium arch - A type of stage where the audience views the performance through a large opening or "frame" at the front of the stage.
The staging incorporates a cream backdrop and a grey floor, creating a neutral canvas for the dancers' movements. A key set piece is a folded wheelchair, symbolizing limitations and adaptability.
Highlight: The choreographic intent explores life's limitations and how individuals relate to each other within confined spaces, both physically and metaphorically.
The choreographic approach emphasizes collaboration, with Laura serving as the primary source of movement inspiration. This collaborative method results in a rich, nuanced performance that showcases the interconnectedness of the dancers and their characters.
The aural setting includes wind sounds, piano music, and the song "The Sunshine of Your Smile," creating a nostalgic and sometimes haunting atmosphere. This soundscape enhances the themes of isolation and memory present in the work.
Example: The use of wind sounds might evoke feelings of loneliness or the passing of time, while the piano music could represent moments of introspection or connection between characters.
The lighting design features white spotlights, a blue wash, and a deep blue central spotlight. These lighting elements help to create distinct areas on stage and emphasize the emotional states of the dancers throughout the performance.
Artificial Things provides GCSE Dance students with a complex and emotionally rich work to analyze, offering insights into how contemporary dance can explore profound themes through movement, staging, and production elements.