Study Guide COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY - Act One
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Created by Dance Affiliates
COMPLEXIONS
CONTEMPORARY BALLET
Study Guide
For Teachers and StudentsTABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Preparatory Sheet - Pre-Concert Lesson all ages
Background Information, providing a context for the performance
Guided Questions
2. The Student Discovery Program -
3. About the Company
Activity W ord W all ages 8 and up
World events, Social movements, Critical thinking
4. About the Co-Artistic Directors- Dwight Rhoden and Desmond Richardson all ages
Background information, providing a context for the performance
Activity: Language arts, life skills, cultural arts
5. What do choreographers make dances about? all ages
Background to stimulate critical thinking
Post-performance guided questions - reflective activity
6 . Post-Performance Activity
Guided Questions all ages
Language arts, critical thinking, cultural arts and kinesthetic sense
7. About the Composer Johann Sebastian Bach ages 9 and up
8. Activity; Music Studies all ages
Critical thinking, listening skills, music studies, world cultures
9. Word Puzzle ages 10 and up
Language Arts, cultural arts, life skills, hand-eye coordination
10. The Geography and Dance adaptro all ages
Geography, WorldEvents
11. A Selected List of Dance Genres & Definitions all ages
Activity - language arts, life skills
12. Resources for Further Exploration all ages
13. Srudmt Information Sheet all ages
14. Eight reminders for Teachers and Chaperones
Pre field trip InformationPreparatory Sheet Pre-Concert Lesson
TEACHERS AND GROUP LEADERS ARE ENCOURAGED
TO ASK THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
1. Why do people dance?
2. What role does dance play in a particular culture and in your daily life?
3. Name a memorable dance you have seen and why did you enjoy it?
4. What is the role of the audience and the artist?
5. How might one's cultural identity and where they live impact them as an artist?
ABOUT COMPLEXIONS STUDENT DISCOVERY PROGRAM
Complexions Contemporary Ballet (CCB) has been considered one of
"America's original multicultural companies" reflecting the face of
America's rich diversity. CCB's programs are recognized worldwide for
its groundbreaking mix of dance styles fusing ballet, contemporary,
jazz and hop-hop into a singular vision. The company is known for its
technical virtuosity, beauty, power and accessibility to reach
audiences from all walks of life. CCB believes that "dance should
remove barriers not reinforce them."
THE COSTUMES/SET
Costumes vary and may include dancewear, tops and pants for men
and tunics, skirts and dresses for women. Men may be bare-chested.
Female dancers work en pointe or in soft ballet shoes.
THE MUSIC
Complexions Tucson touring program features a wide range of music
from Bach (Bach 25) to David Bowie (Star Dust).
THE DANCE MOVEMENTS, STAGE ACTIONS AND CHOREOGRAPHY
The choreography is neo-classical, athletic and full-out featuring 180 degree leg extensions, powerful
jumps, multiple turns, off-centered balances, intensity, speed and extensive use of space. Dynamics
vary from the explosive to quieter moments of reflection. There's unison, counterpoint, canon
retrogrades, and repetition. Unique to CCB is Rhoden's unusual and exquisite partnering work for
large groups, smaller ensembles and duets.
THE PERFORMERS
CCB consists of 15 highly-trained dancers in classical ballet and contemporary techniques. Many are
college graduates or graduates of a conservatory or professional training program. The dancers come
from the U.S. (Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Florida, California, Louisiana, Texas, Ohio,
Missouri, and New York) as well as Japan, Australia, Columbia, and Canada.COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET
The Student Discovery Program
All programs are an hour-long
All programs include a "Talkback Session" with the company
Bach 25
2018
Choreography by Dwight Rhoden
Music by Johann Sebastian Bach and Carl Philipp Emanuel
Bach
Cello Concerto in A major; Concerto in F major; Cembalo Concerto #5 in
F minor; Magnificat anima Mea Dominum;
Costume Design by Christine Darch
Lighting and Set Design by Michael Kersch
Bach 25 . .. Set to the music of Johann Sebastian and Carl
Philipp Emanuel Bach, the work features the full company in
continuous movement to the Baroque composers' dramatic
violin and cello. A festive, athletic, neo-classical work in the
signature style of Complexions. This romantic, playful, and
intensely physical piece is a celebration and show of respect
to Complexions 25 year history.
Star Dust
2016
Choreography by Dwight Rhoden
Music by David Bowie
Lazarus; Changes; Life on Mars; Space Oddity; 1984; Heros; Modern Love; Rock and Roll Suicide;
Young Americans
Costume Design by Christine Darch
Lighting by Michael Kersch
Star Dust . .. STAR DUST is a Ballet tribute to the genre bending innovation of one of the
prolific Rock Stars of our time - DAVID BOWIE. This Ballet takes an array of his hits and
lays a visual imprint, inspired by his unique personas and his restless invention
artistically - to create a Rock Opera style production in his honor. With Bowie’s 40+ year
career and 25 Albums, that stretch across musical borders - STAR DUST pays homage
to the iconic and Chameleonic spirit of what can only be described as... BOWIE.
Program subject to changeABOUT COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET
Complexions Contemporary Ballet
was founded in 1994 by Master
Choreographer Dwight Rhoden
and the legendary dancer
Desmond Richardson with a
singular approach to reinventing
dance through a groundbreaking
mix of methods, styles and
cultures. Today, CCB represents
one of the most recognized and
respected performing arts brands
in the world having presented a
new and exciting vision of human
movement in 20 countries on five
continents with 20-million
television viewers and 300,000
people in live audiences.
The company's foremost innovation is that dance should be about removing boundaries, not
reinforcing them. Whether it be the limiting traditions of a single style, period, venue, or culture,
Complexions transcends them all, creating an open, continually evolving form of dance that reflects
the movement of our world-and all its constituent cultures-as an interrelated whole.
It is Rhoden and Richardson's unique career paths that have paved the way for them to re-define
dance. As their multifaceted resumes will show, neither has ever been comfortable with his art being
placed in a box. Instead, from E! to PBS to VH1, from Cirque de Soleil to the Joffrey Ballet, the two
have allowed the transformative power of their art to flow freely throughout the entertainment world -
their creative vision restricted by nothing but the limits of the human body itself. Through our
commitment to excellence and transformation, the company has continually grown into one of the
most diverse and technically sound, contemporary ballet companies championing its mantra that
dance should remove boundaries and not reinforce them. CCB's audience is multi-ethnic and multi
generational comprised of the general public, die-hard dance fans, celebrities and artists.
The name came from the word "complex." At the company's first project in 1994 they were remarking
how complex things were. Plus, the performers featured every skin color, hence the name
Complexions.
ACTIVITY (Language Arts, Cultural Arts, Critical Thinking)
WORD WALL
1. Read about CCB
2. Define the following words
3. Use them in a sentence
a.Legendary; b. Singular; c. Boundaries; d. Reinventing; e. Transcends; f. Culture;
g. Multi-ethnic; h. Mantra: i. Foremost; j. Commitment; k. Technically; I. Transformative
Based on your reading, how would you describe CCB in three words?ABOUT THE CO-ARTISTIC DIRECTORS
Dwight Rhoden (Founding Artistic Director/Resident Choreographer) a
native of Dayton, Ohio, began dancing at age 17. Rhoden has performed
with Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal
and as a principal dancer with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. As a
performer, he has appeared in television specials, documentaries and
commercials throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe and was featured on
PBS Great Performances. Rhoden's choreography has been the lynchpin in
the development of the Complexions repertory. CCB and Rhoden's work
has been presented on five continents and 20 countries, including the USA,
Canada, South America, Mexico, Europe, Asia, Poland, Australia, New
Zealand, Russia, The Baltic Region, Egypt, Israel, and the Middle East.
Rhoden has created 80 ballets for Complexions, as well as numerous other companies, including Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater, The Arizona Ballet, The Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Company, The Dance
Theater of Harlem, The Joffrey Ballet, Miami City Ballet, New York City Ballet, Diamond Project, North
Carolina Dance Theater, The Pennsylvania Ballet. Philadanco, Marinsky Ballet (Kirov}, Pittsburgh Ballet
Theater, and Zenon Dance Company. He has also directed and choreographed for TV, film, theater
and live performances including So You Think You Can Dance, E! Entertainment's Tribute to Style,
Amici, and Cirque Du Soleil's Zumanity, and choreographed and appeared in the feature film One Last
Dance. He has also worked with, and/or created works for such high-profile artists as Prince, Lenny
Kravitz, Kelly Clarkson, ELEW, David Rozenblatt, Nicholas Payton, The Drifters, Paul Simon, Billy
Strayhorn, Nina Simone, Marvin Gaye, U2, The Turtle Creek Chorus, and Patrick Swayze. Rhoden has
worked with, coached and created for legendary dance artists Carmen de Lavallade, Wendy Whelan,
Maria Kowroski, Diana Vtshneva, Desmond Richardson, Sandra Brown, Jodie Gates, and Gus
Solomons. He is the resident choreographer of The Charlotte Ballet and has taught and served as
artist-in-residence at U.S. universities/colleges including New York University, Juilliard, UC Irvine,
Skidmore College, and The University of Mississippi. He is a recipient of the New York Foundation for
the Arts Award, The Choo San Goh Award for Choreography, and The Ailey School's Apex Award as
well as an honorary doctorate degree from The Boston Conservatory.
Desmond Richardson (Founding Artistic Director) is a multi-talented
artist who has mastered a range of dance genres from his roots in hip hop,
classical, modern and contemporary ballet. Praised for his powerful dancing
and singular performance quality, Richardson has been the hallmark
performer who has shaped the essence of the Complexions style. As a
principal dancer and guest artist of such notable companies as Alvin Ailey,
Frankfurt Ballet, American Ballet Theater, Teatro al La Scala, Royal Swedish
Opera Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Complexions Contemporary Ballet
have helped shape his artistry. He was the first African-American to dance
the title role in the American Ballet Theater's production of Othello. Working
in television, film and video in the U.S. and abroad, Richardson has
performed with musical artists Michael Jackson, Prince, Aretha Franklin, En
Vogue and Madonna.
Among his many honors are the Bessie Award, Benois de la Danse (nominee) Monarch Award, The
Ailey Apex Award, Presidential Scholar in the Arts Award, NFAA Alumni Award. He and collaborator
Dwight Rhoden partnered with Prima Ballerina Diana Vishneva for her one-woman show, Beauty In
Motion at New York City Center and in Moscow, Russia. Richardson recently returned to Russia as
invited guest performer to partner with the incomparable Diana Vishneva for the White Nights Festival
at the Mariinsky Theater in a pas de deux created for Richardson and Ms. Vishneva titled Three Point
Tum. Richardson has been a featured guest artist on the world tour of the Kings Of Dance (Ardani
Artists), appeared on the Fox television series So You Think You Can Dance as celebrity guest
performer and choreographer with Dwight Rhoden, and on the hit television show Amici in Rome, Italy.WHAT DO CHOREOGRAPHERS MAKE DANCES ABOUT?
A choreographer is a person who creates dances. They design the
steps or patterns and how the body is used to communicate an idea. A
choreographer may begin by using improvisation to discover new
movements or create movements from their own dance vocabulary.
Sometimes a choreographer starts with an idea, image, mood or feeling as
the starting point for making a dance. Other choreographers are inspired
by a certain piece of music and create their visual pictures to the music.
Some choreographers are movement storytellers using a narrative form for
the physical action. Others think in abstract forms where they allow the
viewer or audience to interpret the dance.
"One of the most sought out choreographers of the day"
The New York Times
Dwight Rhoden has made over 80 dances for Complexions as well as works for
other professional companies, opera, TV, and film. Rhoden's work reflects the
world we live in and the human condition as reflected in two recent works Peace
Piece and Spun to Sky. Strum tackles broad themes of life, death and
evolution. Solo investigates the journey of an individual.
Rhoden reflects on his own process as a choreographer.
"I am one of those choreographers who is 100 percent inspired by the dancers in front
of me. I love taking the talents they already have and the talents they are discovering
and building something for them to shine with."
"It goes back to something I really believe - that if you have the passion for something
that you really love and you stay true and focused to it, there is no way you will not be
able to accomplish the things in your heart. That kind of belief and energy is powerful."
Rhoden talks about his style as "pretty edgy extreme use of the body. There's lots of speed,
lots of pulled-off angles. And there is an intensity level that runs through the work."
Commentators "don't really know what to do with me, to be honest. I consider myself
classically trained," he told Theodore Bale of the Boston Herald. "I understand the art of dance,
and I feel like I could create for anyone."
The main purpose of dance/art is to communicate something to the viewer
and connect to the audience.AFTER SEEING THE PERFORMANCE, RESPOND TO THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS. What was your initial reaction to seeing the dance? What was your most memorable moment and why? How is choreography like photography? How do they differ? Why do you think choreographers make dances? Did you see a beginning, middle and end? How did the music inform the dance? What did the dance communicate to you? Do you think the dance could have several interpretations, of so what were they? What do you think poets, musicians, painters, videographers, designers, photographers, architects, filmmakers, costumers, athletes and writers share with choreographers and dancers? How do you think science and technology can impact dance? What did you learn about yourself today as a result of seeing the performance?
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Johann Sebastian Bach (March 31 1685 - July 28, 1750)
Johann Sebastian Bach was a German composer and musician who came
from a family of musicians. His parents died when he was ten, so he lived
with his older brother Johann Christoph, an organist who taught him how to
play clavichord. At 14, he received a scholarship to the prestigious St.
Michael's School in Luneburg. Luneburg was a leading cultural center of
Europe and studying there gave Bach access to new composers. Bach was
influenced by composers such as George Bohm (whom he studied with)
Dieterich Buxtehude, Antonio Vivaldi, Arcangelo Corelli, and Giovanni
Battista.
Considered a great organist and violinist, he worked as a church
musician for St. Thomas Lutheran Church in Leipzig, Germany
where he had the opportunity to compose (sacred) music for the
church services for choir, organ, harpsichord, and orchestra. His
wrote over 300 musical pieces. His most famous works are: Choral
'passions' such as St. Matthew Passion, St John Passion; Mass in
B Minor; Organ works - Toccata and Fugue for organ in D minor;
Brandenburg Concertos, No.3 and No.5; Violin Concertos;
Goldberg Variations (piano); and Well-tempered Clavier (48
Preludes and Fugues)
Bach had twenty children by two wives, seven by Maria Barbara
(his second cousin) and 13 by Anna Magdalena. Many of Bach's
children went on to become musicians in their own right. The music ,
1
sheet across is Bach's own handwriting for his sonata for violin, E
minor. After a prolific career, Bach's eyesight began to fail. He underwent two operations, died
and was buried at St. John's Cemetery in Leipzig. He is now such an important composer that
the year of his death is a defining point in music history, marking the end of the Baroque Era.
Sources:
http://www. kidzworld. com/article/1736-johann-sebastia n-bach-biography
http://www. pianolessons4children.com/composers/bach. php
http://www. bioqraphyonline. net/music/j-s-bach. htmI
The Baroque Period (1600 - 1750)
The art and architecture of the Baroque period reflects a style characterized by ornamental decorations
as seen in churches and palaces showcasing worldly splendor. The music of the period mirrors the
decorative art in the use of ornamentation to embroider melodies. Thick and complex polyphonic
texture prevails. There's a sense of drama and urgency incorporated into in vocal forms such as the
cantata, mass, opera, oratorio and passion, and in instrumental forms such as the concerto, concerto
grosso, prelude, fugue, toccata sonata and suite. Vibrant rhythms and expressive dissonances
heighten tension. Much of the Baroque keyboard music written for the harpsichord and clavichord was
written in suites comprising separate dance pieces, changing in tempo and meter but maintaining key
unity throughout. The suite consists of dances such as the allemande, courante, sarabande, gigue,
gavotte, musette, bouree, minuet and pavane. Each dance movement is usually written in two sections
called binary form, and is generally performed with each section repeated. Other forms of keyboardmusic from the Baroque period are theme and variations, passacaglia, chaconne, invention, prelude,
fugue, choral prelude, ricercare, fantasy, toccata and concerto. The two best known Baroque
composers are Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederick Handel, both Germans. Other
German Baroque composers include Buxtehude, Pachelbel and Telemann. English Baroque
composers include Byrd and Purcell. Italian Baroque composers include Monteverdi, Corelli, Vivaldi
and Scarlatti. Prominent French Baroque composers were Lully, Couperin and Rameau.
http://www.mostlywind.co.uk/baroque.html
MUSIC ACTIVITY 1
Complexions will be performing a work set to JS Bach's Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum,
and Cello Concerto in A Major. Below are suggested links.
Johann Sebastian Bach Magnificat Anima Mea Dominum
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FfgOuQovEc
Johann Sebastian Bach - Harpsichord Concerto in F Major
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_abEuZWVEsM
Top 10 Bach Masterpieces short 30 second excerpts of 10 works
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6 0xOBeLNw&list=RDG6 0xOBeLNw#t=0
1. Listen to the music
2. What instrument (s) do you hear?
3. Can you hum the melody?
4. Is the tempo fast or slow?
5. Can you clap the rhythm?
6. If you close your eyes what images come to mind i.e. trees swaying in warm
sunlight?
7. What dynamic changes do you hear?
8. How does the music make you feel?
9. What is your overall reaction to the music?
10. How does Baroque music differ from what you hear today?
11 . Where might you hear this music today?
MUSIC ACTIVITY 2
1. Research another Baroque composer. (See list above)
2. Write a short bio on his life
3. Compare his style to that of Bach
What do you think of this statement?
"And the spirit of the baroque-an unwavering belief in the power of music to touch people's
lives-changed music history forever."
How is this statement relevant today?
How does it relate to and with music created in the 21st Century?Word Find Puzzle in 15 minutes or less
(language arts, culture, entertainment, life skills)
PHOTOCOPY THIS PAGE. USE A PENCIL OR COLORED MARKERS.
SET THE CLOCK FOR 15 MINUTES. SEE IF YOU CAN COMPLETE THE PUZZLE.
FIND THE FOLLOWING WORDS
Look for the words on the diagonal, backwards, forwards or side by side.
• Circle the word. See example .
• Many words relate to the performance you are about to see. Look up any unfamiliar words or
names. You will find all the answers in the guide.
• Define each word and explain how it relates to the program .
• Younger classes can draw their ideas .
CONTEMPORARY DANCE HIPHOP BACH DUET
CHOREOGRAPHY BALLET DWIGHT RHODEN SOLO
COMPLEXIONS MUSIC EXTREME TECHNIQUE STYLE
DESMOND RICHARDSON JAZZ POP FILM
FAMOUS AILEY SOUL TOUR FANS
ATHLETIC FUN Jov TV
D w I G H T R H 0 D E N
C I T E L H T A p 0 p y
s T E u M L I F L E R E
N E u Q u L 0 0 L A I L
0 L D I s u s y R s C I
I L A N I 0 T 0 D N H A
X A J H C s p N u A A F
E B A C H M 0 N u F R A
L J z E E M E C N A D M
p 0 z T s V T 0 u R s 0
M y N E X T R E M E 0 u
0 0 D H I p H 0 p A N s
C H 0 R E 0 G R A p H y
BONUS ACTIVITY
Can you find 15 additional words? Write them on the back of the paper.
Answers; pear; reap; snap; face; chore; contcmp; temporary; cite; hard; our; next; eel; tap; graph; pat; our; rapGEOGRAPHY AND DANCE
Complexions Contemporary Dance has performed in 20 countries in five continents. The dancers come from the
U.S., Japan, Canada and the Philippines.
Locate the following places by writing the number in the state.
(1) Pennsylvania
(2) New York
(3) New Jersey
(4) Maryland
(5) Minnesota
(6) Florida
(7) Texas
(8) New Orleans
(9) California
Bonus Activity •
List the capitals of all the • HAW.I.I ►
nine states •.
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Extra Bonus Activity
Look up THREE fun places to visit in Atlanta, GeorgiaA SELECTED LIST OF DANCE GENRES & DEFINITIONS
Dance the word itself is related to the French word danse, which is believed to have been derived from the ancient high
German danson, meaning to "stretch or drag." Each of these terms, along with other European variants (dands, danca,
danza, tans) is based on the root combination of letters tan, found in the original Sanskrit meaning "tension or stretching."
Dance is found in every culture. Dance is a means of communicating through body movements a feeling, emotion, thought
or desire.
WHAT IS CLASSICISM?
According to Pythagoras, classicism represents "the subtle equilibrium of outline and axis, by the
perfection of its symmetry of balance within a composition.n The term 'classical ballet' indicates a
concept in choreography that stresses formal values such as clarity, harmony, symmetry and order
exemplified in classical antiquity. Swan Lake (1895), The Nutcracker(1892) and The Sleeping Beauty
(1890) represent classical ballet in its grandest form. Their main purpose was to show the classical
techniques to the fullest. Here, complicated sequences of demanding steps, leaps, turns, extensions
and balances are choreographed into a story. Just as the subject matter and technical abilities of the
performers were evolving over time so were the costumes. The shortened tutu became associated with
classical ballet. This showed more of the dancer's body and the technique.
WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY BALLET?
Ballets created during the 20th century are called contemporary. They do not always have a story line but
may have a theme and concentrate more on the emotions and atmosphere or current trend or ideas.
Dancers may wear unitards, tunics, or special designed costumes Prodigal Son (1929), Bacchanale (1939)
and Ballad Undo ... (2015) are examples of contemporary ballets. Modem ballets are associated with the
th
20 century with the rise of modernism in art and music. Some historians claim that Nijinsky "the greatest
male dancer of his time" introduced modernism to ballet in his at that time scandalous L'Apres-Midi d'un
Faune (1912) and The Rite of Spring (1913).
WHAT IS NEOCLASSICAL BALLET?
Neoclassical ballet is the style of 20th century classical ballet exemplified by the works of George Balanchine. Opening up
ballet to modernist tendencies, neoclassical ballet was first developed in the 1920s by Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes. It
draws on the advanced techniques of academic ballet, exploring its content and respecting its codes, but extends its
boundaries with new concepts and innovations. Today, such choreographers as William Forsythe, Jiri Kylian and Jean
Christophe Maillot are creating neoclassical works of remarkable beauty and virtuosity. A living art, neoclassical ballet is
rooted in modern reality.
WHAT IS MODERN DANCE?
Modem Dance appeared in the late 1890's and early 1900's in America as a response to the formality of
the Ballet and is defined by its expression of feelings, concepts and form. Modem Dance was
concerned with individuality, naturalism & gravity and reflected the modernist movement in art. Unlike
traditional forms that remain the same over long periods of time, modem dance is an evolving form that
changes through time. Key female figures in early modern dance were Isadora Duncan, Ruth St. Denis
and Katherine Dunham. Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman were second
generation modern dancers. Ted Shawn, known for working with athletes, formed the first all-male dance
company and founded Jacob's Pillow, a world famous summer arts festival located in Massachusetts. In
the 1930's, Kurt Jooss and Rudolf von Laban were two innovative European male dancers. Mary
Wigman was a genius and leader in German modern dance. Legendary American choreographers
Merce Cunningham and Paul Taylor danced with Martha Graham and later formed their own world-renowned companies.
WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY DANCE
Contemporary Dance originated in Europe and the United States after World War II, appearing on the
heels of modem dance. For some, it grew from the seeds of postmodernism. Contemporary dance is the
exploration of the total movement potential of the body. Unlike other forms of dance, it is not bound by set
standards or defined styles. Instead, it seeks to express a personalized vision, often through
experimentation and collaboration, in exploring new choreographic possibilities. It derives its techniques
from both classical and modem dance, either updating or distorting them, resulting in a hybrid form
derived from literature, architecture, visual arts, circus and other artistic disciplines. Today, the term
implies that which is current existing in the time when one lives.WHAT IS JAZZ DANCE?
Jazz Dance according to Jack Cole a jazz dance innovator, is an urban folk dance, a fusion of African rhythms
and European influences in an urban environment. Jazz dance parallels the development of jazz music
reflecting historical events, cultural changes, ethnic influences and especially the music and social dances of
its era. Today, jazz dance can be seen in concert halls, Broadway shows, film, 1V, Las Vegas and clubs.
Louis Armstrong, the famous jazz trumpeter said, "If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know."
WHAT IS SOCIAL DANCE?
Social Dances are popular participatory forms of dance that range from ballroom dances (fox trot, waltzes, tango, etc.) to
contemporary dances of the swing, jazz, rock and roll, and even street-dancing and club dancing.
WHAT IS ETHNIC DANCE?
Ethnic Dance is a form of dance that reflects a particular culture. Many dances remain unchanged through time and are
traditions passed from one generation to the next With the new century, there's been a resurgence in ethnic dance from
Africa, Cambodia, China, Japan, India, Thailand, Mexico and Ireland.
WHAT IS HIP HOP?
' Hip Hop is a cultural movement that emerged in the 1970's in Brooklyn NY and LA and covers music,
dance, dress style and behavior. Dance terms such as Breakin', Top Rocking, Locking, Popping and
� Floor Rocking are often used. The DJ's beats, the dancer's rhythmic movements and the rapper's
vocal percussion all worked to the same pulse. The West Coast movement was fed by soul, R&B and
funk music. In LA, Don Campbell originated the dance form 'locking' through experimenting with the
already popular 'Funky Chicken' dance and adding the effect of locking the joints in his arms and legs.
This led to the founding of a group called the Lockers and people began incorporating locking with
drops and footwork. In 1976, Sam 'Boogaloo" Sam Solomon formed his own group the Electric
Boogaloo Lockers whose main focus of locking then led to the origination of 'popping', which involves
sudden contraction of individual muscles. Now in the mainstream, Hip Hop is being influenced further
through fusions with other dance forms.
WHAT IS TAP
Tap is a stylistic form of dance that emphasizes foot rhythms and improvisation. Early tappers
included William Henry Lane (Master Juba), Billy "Bojangles Robinson" and King Rastus Brown. Tap was a
vital part of the vaudeville period. Tap appeared in Broadway musicals with Fred Astaire, Ray Bolger and
Gene Kelly and was popular on the swing and jazz circuits. Tap became revitalized in the 1990's with the
award winning movie Tap, the Hines Brothers and Savion Glover.
BONUS QUES TIONS!!!
Describe the style of dance prevalent today.
How do dancers train for that style? What are the characteristics?
What do you think is the future of dance?
ACTIVI TY (RECOMMENDED AS A PRE-POST CONCERT ACTIVITY)
1. Read the sheet on different kinds of dance.
2. Identify kinds of dancing you have seen or participated in.
3. What other forms would you add to this list?
POST CONCERT
After seeing the live performance, write down your thoughts or feelings.
How would you describe the concert to a friend?
If you were to send a TWEET or notice on Facebook, write your response below.RESOURCES FOR FURTHER EXPLORATION
Ballet and Modem Dance A Concise History by Jack Anderson 1992
dance
Ballet and Modem Dance by Susan Au and James Rutter 2012
Contemporary Dance History by Thomas Hagwood and Luke Kahlick
Dancing by Gerald Jonas 1998
World History of the Dance by Curt Sachs, 1963
A Dictionary of Dance by Liz Murphy
Appreciating Dance: A Guide to the World's Liveliest Art by Harriet R. Lihs 2009
Dance by Darling Kindersley, Eyewitness Books, 1998
The Dance Bible: The Complete Resource for Aspiring Dancers by Camille Lefevre 2012
Alvin Ailey: A Life In Dance by Jennifer Dunning 1998
Alvin Ailey by Andrea Davis Pinkney 1995 (Children's Book)
Alvin Ailey: Celebrating African-American Culture in Dance by Barbara C. Cruz 2004
PROGRAM RELATED RESOURCES
Johann Sebastian Bach: The Learned Musician by Christopher Wolffe 2011
SELECTED DANCE PUBLICATIONS
Dance Spirit Dance UK
Dance Teacher Now Dance Europe
DanceMagazine DanceBeat
You Tube
Celebrating Desmond Richardson & Complexions Contemporary Ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v = mZ17GSweYDw
Overview of the company in the studio and on stage featuring legendary dance Desmond Richardson
Complexions Summer Intensive 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =gvfWTyn6LYE
Tulsa Ballet Choreographer's Spotlight: Dwight Rhoden for 'Creations in Studio K'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= Bgrsls1C7y4
Dwight Rhoden talks about his background, how Complexions began and his creative process.
TESTAMENT-Choreographer Dwight Rhoden (Work Sample) Complexions ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v = cNZCX87wgB4
Complexions Contemporary Ballet - Choreographed by: Dwight Rhoden Choke a duet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v =plVU4LbEjc4
NY Complexion contemporary ballet to make you feel my love
Aired on So You Think You Can Dance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= mF2k4RRfBbO&list= PLyxaJVOyor419QNH7xmSxfjvbpeBMgDsi
Moon Over Jupiter - Choreographer Dwight Rhoden (Work Sample) Complexions ballet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v = cgLQMYMP8Ck
Websites and Links
http://www.complexionsdance.org
https://www.facebook.com/complexionsdance/
www.contemporary-dance.org
www.dancer.com/ance-links/modern.htm
www.cyberdance.orgSTUDENT INFORMATION SHEET
Audience Behavior
You are about to attend a very exciting dance performance. Your teacher and family will
prepare you by reviewing your audience behavior and the information we have provided.
Theater Etiquette involves The Audience, The Performer(s)
and the Stage Activity
Appropriate theater behavior is extremely important not only to you as a
member of the audience but to the performers on stage. As you learn
more about theater etiquette, think about the role of the audience.
Audience Etiquette includes:
• Following the instructions of your teacher at all times
• Entering the theater and sitting quietly in your assigned seat
• Being polite and attentive
• Refraining from talking, chewing gum or eating during the
performance
• Staying with your group at all times
• Remembering to walk and NOT RUN when entering and leaving the
theater
• NOT leaving the theater at ANY time without your teacher or chaperone
• Showing your appreciation to the performers by clapping or applauding at
key moments during the performance
• PLEASE NO PHOTOGRAPHS
• NO FOOD IN THE THEATER
• PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES
Review these tips with your classmates.
Add others to the list as you discuss them with your teacher, family and
friends. Here's space for two additional tips.
1.__________________________
2. --------------------------
T h i ll k about the last special event you attended.
Name that event. ----------------------
Who attended that event with you? _______________
What was the audience's reaction? ---------------
What made the event special? -----------------
Define: etiquette, reaction, behavior, appreciation, event, audience, role.For Teachers and Chaperones
Only
NINE SPECIAL REMINDERS
1. The performance begins promptly. We recommend you arrive 20 minutes
early.
2. When at the theatre, restrooms should be used prior to or
following the performance.
3. The performance will last approximately one hour. There is NO
intermission.
4. Food, drink, cell phones, cameras or chewing gum are NOT permitted in
the theater.
We recommend that all food be left on the school bus.
5. Teachers and chaperones should inform students about their seating
location to prevent them from getting lost or separate from the group.
6. The visiting company will present an hour-long performance that includes a
special question and answering session. Students are encouraged to ask
questions relating to the performance or to the field of dance.You can also read
