AQA A2 Dance

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  • Created by: aleesham
  • Created on: 11-06-16 20:31
When and where was Alvin Ailey born?
Born in 1931 in Texas.
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When did Alvin Ailey die?
1989
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Describe Ailey's childhood
Witnessed violence towards mother, devout Baptist, highly influenced by gospel music, Great Depression, racial segregation
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When was Lester Horton born and when did he die?
Born 1906 died in 1953
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What was so significant about Horton's dance company?
First multi-racial dance company on the West Coast
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Describe Horton technique
Emphasises a whole body anatomical approach that includes flexibility, strength, co-ordination & body and spatial awareness. 'Flat back' action, angular t-shape tilts with horizontal alignment.
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Quote to describe Horton technique
'a technique based entirely upon corrective exercises' Lester Horton in a letter to Dorathi Bock Pierre
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Describe Ailey's experience with Horton, joining his company
Began studying with Horton at the age of 15. Horton had a large emphasis on a theatrical physical setting. Horton developed a loving, caring atmosphere which Ailey wanted to replicate in AAADT.
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When was Katherine Dunham born and when did she die?
Born in 1909, died in 2006.
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What was Katherine Dunham's style/technique?
A coherent lexicon of African and Caribbean styles of dance, including an articulated pelvis, flexible torso and isolation of the limbs.
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How was Ailey influenced by Dunham?
In 1945, Ailey went to see a performance by her company. Where he witnessed black dancers performing modern dance for the first time. Breaking confinements of society -influence for AAADT
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When was Martha Graham born and when did she die?
Born in 1894 died in 1991
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What were the two main aspects of Graham technique?
Contract and release - intentions of showing struggles within dance. 'Pleading' action.
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Who did Graham also collaborate with?
Merce Cunningham 1919-2009, technique includes spirals, curves, arches.
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When was Ailey influenced by Graham?
During the period 1954-1958 Ailey moved to New York and took ballet&modern with Graham and studied Graham technique.
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When was Jack Cole born and when did he die?
Born in 1911 died in 1974.
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What did Jack Cole do?
Virtually invented the idiom of American show dancing, known as 'theatrical jazz dance'. Prime innovator of theatrical jazz dance heritage
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When was Ailey a dancer in Jack Cole's musical of Jamaica?
1957
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When was Revelations premiered?
1960
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Briefly describe costumes in Revelations
IBB- All in different shades of brown TMTTW- All in white SM - black trousers RMS- Females in shades of orange/yellow dresses with bonnet like hats and fans. Males in suits
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Briefly describe lighting in Revelations
IBB- yellow/orange spotlight constructs space restriction for dancers, develops through POS. TMTTW- overall blue lighting, baptism. SM - red backdrop, faded white lighting RMS- Overall yellow lighting
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Briefly describe accompaniment in Revelations
Large use of gospel music relating to Ailey's childhood. Low sustained notes in IBB-repliacted in second position grand plie. SM- tense, engaging, commanding. RMS- celebratory mood, development of the black movement.
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When was Cry premiered?
1971
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Why did Ailey choreograph Cry?
As a birthday present for his mother 'a tribute to black women everywhere especially mothers'
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What are the main themes in Cry?
Hardships of living, struggle of the black movement, slavery - reflected in the physically demanding nature of the piece.
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What the the three accompaniments in Cry?
Something About John Coltrane by Alice Coltrane. Been on a train by Laura Nyro. Right on. Be Free by the Voices of East Harlem Choir. All collaboratively show a journey partaken by the soloist.
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How is the material used throughout the piece?
Head scarf, around hands/restriction, soloists stands on the scarf with it around her neck which restricts her from going on a higher level, cloth to rub the floor
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How does movement develop throughout Cry?
Begins with small, slow lunges forward, contractions of the torso, linear pathway, scrubbing the floor. Develops to larger movement, chaine turns, attitude turns, runs with high kicks, tilts.
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When was Judith Jamison born, and when did she take over as Artistic Director at AAADT?
Born in 1943, became Artistic Director in 1989.
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Describe Jamison's early training/experiences
Studied classical ballet and modern dance at Judimar. Took classes in tap, acrobatics and Dunham technique. Took courses in Labanotation and Kinesiology. Learned Horton technique from Joan Kerr, developing her strength, balance and concentration.
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Describe Jamison's early beginnings with AAADT
Joined AAADT in 1965, developed a distinct interest for cultural identity stemming from her international tour with Ailey
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What did Jamison do when she became Artistic Director?
Modernised the company, developed financial stability, took the company to unprecedented heights, promoted the significance of the Ailey legacy.
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When was Divining premiered?
1984
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How was Divining described?
A unique combination of primitive tribal energy and urban sophistication, which creatively displays the company's versatility
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What is the main theme of Divining?
To show female power and leadership, in the structure of a complex multi layered ballet - links to Jamison's previous ballet training
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Name the three sections of Divining
Seeking - 4 dancers. Resting - Solo. Moving on - large group with distinct female leader
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When was Hymn premiered and what was its purpose?
Premiered in 1993, choreographed as a tribute to Alvin Ailey.
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Briefly outline Hymn
Uses explosive full company dances and quiet solos to illuminate Ailey's humanity, and the dancers' unique qualities.
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Describe aural setting in Hymn
Recorded text derived from AAADT company talking about Ailey's contributions. Words from Ailey himself. Percussion shows consistent African presentation.
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When was Robert Battle born? When did he become Artistic Director?
Born in 1972 in Florida, became Artistic Director in 2011. Commissioned first work for AAADT 'Juba' in 2003
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Describe Battle's early training/experiences
Graduated from Juillard, and then joined Parsons Dance Company in 1998. Founded his own company 'Battleworks' in 2002. Sought after keynote speaker for high profile organisations. Trained previously in martial arts.
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When was The Hunt premiered?
2010
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How was The Hunt described?
A primal ritual with a distinctly urban feel, fuelled by a thundering percussion soundtrack. Explores the relationship between modern sports and the rites of the gladiators
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How did Battle find inspiration for The Hunt?
In his background in martial arts, replicating the intensity and combative stances.
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What was so significant about The Hunt?
Shows the developed versatility of AAADT. Challenges the physical limits and emotional stamina of even the famously indomitable Ailey men
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What is the costume for the Hunt?
Long black skirts with under layers of red.
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When was Takademe premiered?
2011
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Summarise Takademe
Battle's bravura work mixes humour and high-flying movement in a savvy deconstruction of Indian Kathak dance rhythms
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How does Takademe relate to Battle's backgound
Represents his modest beginnings as a choreographer and reminds him of how far he's come
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What is clearly seen in Takademe?
Clear shapes and propulsive jumps mimic the vocalised syllables of the syncopated score.
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When did Battle create Takademe?
Whilst a dancer at the Parsons Dance Company, in a living room with confined space. Found that in a large space it travelled diagonally which was interpreted as a metaphor for where he is now with Ailey where there is a remarkable amount of space.
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What is the costume for Takademe?
Bright red fringed trousers
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

When did Alvin Ailey die?

Back

1989

Card 3

Front

Describe Ailey's childhood

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

When was Lester Horton born and when did he die?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What was so significant about Horton's dance company?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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