The Swan Lake Act IV Paris Ballet and Three Shades - La Bayadere - Assignment Example

The Three Shades dance is characterized by fast rhythmic movements since the setting is a wedding, and there is a mixture of joyous and turbulent occasions.
In Swan Lake, the dancers remain close to the ground most of the time while including very few instances of jumps or balancing on one foot. All moves are done by not less than four dancers yet they move in perfect harmony, emulating the natural movements of swans in the lake. At one point, some of the dancers form a circle with eight girls in the middle. They engage in several smooth motions that eventually result in rows of four girls each walking in minute steps on their toes from one end to another. Almost immediately, the rows fuse and the girls are now in two perfectly straight columns, with each one passing through the other in turns. The viewer is hypnotized by the smooth movements of the dancers, which makes them think of how nature can surprise you with its perfect harmony.

In the case of Three Shades, the dancers move with the fat rhythms. Only one dancer performs on the stage at a time, except for one scene where three of them are backed by the rest. The dancers are in the air more than they are on the ground, utilizing the concept of the level very well. In one scene, the lady dances with a male partner who lifts her off the ground with ease and precision, all the while maintaining a rhythmic motion to the music. The gentleman leaves and returns later after the lady exits. He also rarely stays on the ground, spinning in the air up to three times in a row. The dance seems to send the message that most of the joyous moments we experience are similar to flying high in the sky, although most of the time short-lived.

The choreography for both dances coincides well with the theme of the tales and the titles. Just like swans in the lake are calm and graceful, the music in Swan Lake is slow and the dancers move in slow coordinated motions, depicting the calmness and soothing effect that nature has on the human senses. The dance of Three Shades, on the other hand, shows the typical human reaction to joy – energy and exhilaration. Although short-lived, joyous moments should not be taken for granted and should be enjoyed to the fullest.
To properly understand and enjoy a dance, the audience should become engaged. I have concluded that the two dances are both entertaining as well as educative. Dances are modes of communication between composers, choreographers, dancers, and the audience (Peick 1). As a result, the audience should ensure that they get engaged as much as possible. I have gained immense knowledge from the two dances and intend to do the same for all other dances I watch in the future. Read More