Not Fade Away

"Not Fade Away" is a duet that captures the essence of 1960s dance history and social dynamics. This performance features one male and one female dancer, incorporating elements of folk dance and popular styles of the era.

Key features of the dance include:

• A contrast between the male dancer's high energy and the female's initially minimal energy
• Incorporation of Lindy Hop and jive movements, reflecting popular social dances
• Use of humor and playful interactions between the dancers

Vocabulary: Lindy Hop - A partner dance that originated in Harlem in the 1920s and became popular during the swing era of the 1930s and 1940s.

The choreography includes several notable elements:

• Repetition of motifs from "Little Red Rooster," creating continuity within the performance
• The male dancer performing "hepping" actions and elbow flapping gestures
• A sequence where the male dancer falls forward with wrists like paws, linking to animal imagery

Highlight: The dance showcases the evolution of social dances in the 1960s, blending traditional ballroom holds with more dynamic and expressive movements.

This piece effectively captures the spirit of rock and roll and youth culture, demonstrating how dance styles evolved to reflect the energy and freedom of the era.

As Tears Go By

"As Tears Go By" is a group dance that explores social dynamics and exclusion in 1960s Britain. The performance features 8 dancers (4 female, 4 male) and draws parallels to modern social phenomena.

Key themes and elements include:

• Contrast between characters embracing 1950s values and those adapting to 1960s changes
• Exploration of bullying and exclusion from both male and female perspectives
• Use of grouping and isolation to visually represent social dynamics

Example: Three women link arms in a line, with the lone woman joining at the end. The others then drop away in canon, leaving her rejected, symbolizing social exclusion.

The choreography employs several techniques to convey its themes:

• Exaggerated movements, such as a deep squat, to express despair
• Use of canon (sequential movements) to show group behavior
• Contrasting group formations to highlight inclusion and exclusion

Highlight: This dance effectively portrays the challenges faced by those who didn't conform to societal norms in the 1960s, reflecting broader themes of social change and resistance.

The piece provides insight into the complexities of 1960s working class fashion and social expectations, particularly for women navigating changing cultural norms.

Paint It Black

"Paint It Black" is a dynamic performance that reflects the changing music scene and gender dynamics of the 1960s. The dance features 1 male and 3 female dancers, drawing inspiration from popular TV dance groups of the era.

Key elements of the performance include:

• Energetic male soloist supported by a female backing group
• Costume changes reflecting 1960s fashion, including Mary Quant-inspired mini-skirt dresses
• Contrasting movement styles between male and female dancers

Vocabulary: Mary Quant - A British fashion designer who was instrumental in the mod fashion movement and popularized the miniskirt.

The choreography incorporates several distinctive features:

• Serpentine movements for the male dancer, contrasting with linear pathways for the females
• Sharp, aggressive movements juxtaposed with smoother gestures
• Use of props (scarves) to enhance the performance and symbolize power dynamics

Highlight: The dance concludes with the female dancers triumphantly waving their scarves, potentially symbolizing growing female empowerment in the 1960s.

This piece effectively captures the spirit of popular music in the 1960s, particularly the influence of groups like The Rolling Stones, while also commenting on changing gender roles and societal expectations.

Ruby Tuesday

"Ruby Tuesday" is a lyrical dance piece that explores the conflicting choices faced by women in the 1960s. The performance features a female soloist and 4 male dancers, incorporating elements of ballet and modern dance techniques.

Key aspects of the dance include:

• Use of Graham technique, a modern dance style developed by Martha Graham
• Costume design reflecting the "hippie look" of the late 1960s
• Themes of conflict between conventional life and bohemian freedom

Definition: Graham technique - A modern dance movement style and pedagogy created by American dancer and choreographer Martha Graham.

The choreography symbolizes the growing freedom of choice for women in the 1960s:

• The female soloist's movements express internal conflict and decision-making
• The male quartet performs in unison behind her, emphasizing her central role
• Use of lyrical and balletic gestures to convey emotion and narrative

Highlight: The dance reflects the "who cares?" attitude of 1960s youth, influenced by global tensions and the threat of nuclear war.

This piece provides insight into the cultural impact of the 1960s dance performances, showcasing how choreography could express complex social themes and personal dilemmas. It also touches on the broader context of women's rights in UK law and changing societal expectations during this transformative decade.

Page 6: Ruby Tuesday - Freedom and Choice

Ruby Tuesday explores women's evolving role in society through lyrical and balletic movements. The piece reflects the broader context of women's liberation.

Definition: Graham technique - A modern dance method emphasizing emotional expression through movement.

Highlight: The choreography represents the conflict between conventional life choices and the emerging freedom of the 1960s.

Quote: "Who cares?" attitude reflected the zeitgeist of 1960s youth culture under the shadow of nuclear threats.

Page 6: Ruby Tuesday Interpretation

This piece explores female empowerment through a solo female dancer and four male performers, incorporating lyrical and balletic elements.

Definition: Graham technique - A modern dance method developed by Martha Graham emphasizing contraction and release.

Highlight: The choreography represents the conflict between conventional life choices and bohemian freedom.

Quote: "Women are getting freedom of choice."

Page 7: Play With Fire Performance

A dynamic duet incorporating props and social dance elements, exploring themes of power and seduction.

Vocabulary: Burlesque - A theatrical entertainment featuring comedy and provocative dance.

Example: The use of a red feather boa as both prop and symbol throughout the piece.

Highlight: The choreography includes contrasting movement qualities between pursuit and avoidance.

Page 8: Sympathy for the Devil Structure

This piece serves as a comprehensive finale, incorporating elements from all previous numbers with the full company.

Highlight: The piece chronologically reprises all numbers from Rooster, creating a cohesive conclusion.

Example: Specific motifs from earlier pieces are referenced, including the "Rooster Strut" and "Mean Girls" formations.

Lady Jane

The dance "Lady Jane" showcases the evolving dynamics between men and women in 1960s Britain. This full company performance features 10 dancers and incorporates elements of courtly dance to highlight changing social norms.

Key aspects of the dance include:

• A male lead performing duets with three different women, symbolizing new freedoms
• Formal qualities contrasting with attempts to entice, reflecting societal tensions
• Balletic gestures and swan-like movements, drawing from classical dance traditions

Highlight: The dance ironically portrays women beginning to gain financial freedom and take control, even as it uses traditional dance forms.

Example: In one sequence, Lady Jane faints after the line "I pledge my troth to Lady Jane," assisted by the male ensemble, potentially symbolizing the fading of old social conventions.

The choreography cleverly uses light and positioning to emphasize Lady Jane's importance, with men performing courtly bows to her. This reflects the growing recognition of women's status in society during the 1960s.