Continued Creative Development

Recently I have been making choreography for the last section of my piece and I have thoroughly enjoyed creating this segment. I found it was the easiest to link back to my stimuli as some current feedback I have received was to make the movement more intentional and to be able to understand the characters situation. Therefore when creating my movement I used choreographic devices such as accumulation, to represent forgetfulness when growing old, as I used a sequence repeatedly and changed the direction so that the loss of memory was easily portrayed. I also included repetition because I felt that finding acceptance in yourself is something that is gradual and is not a sudden process. I have included a variety of levels which also link back to the stimulus, as at the start I shake a Polaroid picture so that it forms the image taken by the camera and at the end of my performance I kneel to the floor to pick it up. I also use a generous amount of Contemporary style floor work as I feel it works with the attempt of trying to feel good in your own body and I was able to adapt my posture to fit with the characters stance.(P//) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pnh7d_EwB0A (here is the link to the video of choreography I am discussing) In the section shown on the video I felt I represented the narrative well because this part is about the acceptance of changes when aging. Finding gestures to convey self-love was surprisingly quite difficult as it is intangible and it is something that is fairly difficult show through movement and gestures. Therefore I looked at articles on self-acceptance and mental health to find some inspiration through words and even pictures. A statement I found truly inspiring was, ‘It is a realistic and subjective understanding which is the gateway to a happier and more peaceful life.’ (Mascarenhas.A, 2021’), the word gateway influenced a small part of the sequence, as there is an opening and closing action which to me feels like a movement of finding a sense of comfort in vulnerability and exposure. (P//)

(Mascarenhas.A, 2021) The last piece I critiqued and analysed of Wayne McGregor’s was ‘Woolf works’ which I believe has some similarities to my performance. An example of this is that in ‘Woolf works’ there were many moments where the principle dancer (Alessandra Feri) portrayed the feeling of isolation and loneliness, which many elderly people suffer with those exact emotions. I enjoyed the voice over at the beginning of McGregor’s piece, however I trust that my story line is more simpler and not as specific compared to ‘Woolf works’, therefore I am confident that I wouldn’t need a voice over since the movements and gestures offer clarity to the journey of a woman growing old. Refrences: Mascarenhas.A, 2021. Self-acceptance and mental health. [Article] Available at: https://arnoldm.medium.com/self-acceptance-and-mental-health-ed69b734bd5c [Accessed November 26th 2021] Mascarenhas.A, 2021. Self-acceptance and mental health. [Online image] Available at: https://arnoldm.medium.com/self-acceptance-and-mental-health-ed69b734bd5c [Accessed November 26th 2021] Bibliography: Mascarenhas.A, 2021. Self-acceptance and mental health. [Article] Available at: https://arnoldm.medium.com/self-acceptance-and-mental-health-ed69b734bd5c [Accessed November 26th 2021] Mascarenhas.A, 2021. Self-acceptance and mental health. [Online image] Available at: https://arnoldm.medium.com/self-acceptance-and-mental-health-ed69b734bd5c [Accessed November 26th 2021]