Week 11- Critical Review of Dance piece #3


Week 11- dance piece 3

Justin Pecks 3rd dance piece is ‘Carousel’ which was released in 2018; it is based on the original version of the musical Carousel which was released in 1947. This dance piece stands out to the other two I previously critiqued, as it has a completely different feel to it. The main reason for this is because the dance style is musical theatre, differentiating to Justin Peck’s typical style of contemporary ballet, which is shown in both the ‘Year of the Rabbit’ and ‘In creases’. Therefore, the dynamics in this piece are much stronger compared to the softer, more elegant dynamics presented in the ‘Year of the Rabbit’ and ‘Carousel’. The dancers in this piece use their facial expressions a lot, and the main emotion expressed is happiness, juxtaposing to the serious feeling portrayed in the ‘Year of the Rabbit’.

Related imageJustin Peck uses the same choreographic process in ‘Carousel’ and dance piece 2 ‘In creases’, as in both routines Peck continuously changes the formations the dancers dance in, to make it more interesting for the audience to watch. Furthermore, at some points in ‘Carousel’ the dancers all come together to create very unique shapes. Additionally, another similarity I noticed was that in both ‘Carousel’ and ‘In creases’ although they are group pieces, at certain points some of the dancers are featured as soloists, whilst the others dance in a group. This allows for more than one thing to happen on the stage at one time, which I think is really effective as the audience almost don’t know where to look as it’s so exciting.

The movements shown in this choreography piece are much less technical than the ones featured in the ‘Year of the Rabbit’ and ‘In creases’. As all the movements shown are extremely powerful and energetic, relating to the upbeat music. The music in this piece isn’t completely instrumental like other two previous dances, but it is a song sung by the dancers as well as background noises also created by the performers. Moreover, as this is a musical theatre piece, much more acting is shown in the dancers’ facial expressions and gestures. It is clear that there is a narrative behind this show, but it is not completely clear as to what this is, as this is only a small section of the entire show. Justin Peck won a Tony Award for the ‘Best Choreography’ for this dance piece in 2018.

Related imageThe dress code is very UN stereotypical, as the performers are wearing everyday casual clothes in comparison to ‘In creases’ and the ‘Year of Rabbit’ where the dances are wearing leotards and unitards. Additionally, the dancers are wearing normal shoes rather than ballet shoes, which further ads to the idea of this piece being more of a musical than a dance piece. Furthermore, the setting in ‘Carousel’ is much more extravagant than the setting in the other two dance pieces which have a completely plain background on the stage, which allows all of the audience’s attention to go towards the dancers dancing. Whereas in this piece the stage is set on a harbour, giving this piece a much more musical feel. The audience’s attention is not only the dancers, but the setting and costumes. Overall, this dance piece is very different from the previous two I 
critiques, but I really enjoyed watching it.


Bibliography: 

 Youtube.com. (2019). Video of “Carousel”. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoCHwYkBJlM [Accessed 6 Dec. 2019].

Comments

  1. Nanson1 December 2019 at 04:09

    I also reviewed Justin Peck's works and found this one fascinating. Of all his videos we have watched which one has been your favorite. And why? Is one visualy more satisfying, complicated or interesting? Do the steps make one stand out to you or does the emotion concern you more?

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    1. Rachel Donald1 December 2019 at 09:48

      Thank you for your comment. I really enjoyed watching all of the dance pieces, but I think my favourite is “In creases”. This is because of the energetic dance movements expressed in the style of contemporary ballet. As well as the interesting shapes and patterns formed by the dancers, which overall makes the piece rather visually satisfying. Due to the interesting formations created in this piece, it makes it complicated, as all the dancers have to be in the right place at the right time in order for the routine to come together and work. Personally, the steps shown in each of the pieces stand out to me more than the emotion expressed. So in this case the steps in “In creases” stand out to me, in comparison to the other two routines.

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  2. Mhairi Wallace1 December 2019 at 07:17

    It was very interesting to read the differences between this piece and Peck's other works which you have reviewed. Do you think this piece has impacted the dance industry? For example has is changed the perspective of the audience or genre?

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    1. Rachel Donald1 December 2019 at 10:52

      Thank you for your comment. I think it has impacted on the dance industry in the way that it has given a modern touch to a well known musical.

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  3. Storm Ide2 December 2019 at 09:55

    This is a very clear and well written critique regarding Peck's work, well done. You mentioned how the set differed quite drastically from the other two piece he choreographed. Do you think that "Carousel" having an extravagant set drew your attention away form the dancers or do you think it complimented the movement and costume creating an overall exiting performance space Why do you think this?

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    1. Rachel Donald2 December 2019 at 10:33

      Thank you very much for your comment Storm. I think the set in 'Carousel' definitely adds to the whole performance, and compliments the movements and costumes. This is because it makes the story side of musical feel more realistic, it is also un stereotypical setting as dancers dance in studios and not harbours, the use of an unusual setting makes the audience intrigued. Furthermore, the overall use of the setting makes the entire piece come together, and creates an exciting performance space.

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  4. Miss Norman3 December 2019 at 09:12

    Good work! Your critical analysis is well thought out and clearly highlights the differences and similarities between Justin Pecks's choreographic work. In your view, what do you think the piece trying to communicate or say to its audience? What was the purpose behind the movement, costume and music and how did this have an effect on the piece? In your opinion, do you think the piece was successful - were there any parts you liked/disliked? Reflecting back at all three pieces, which piece did you like best and why?

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    1. Rachel Donald3 December 2019 at 10:46

      Thank you for you feedback Miss Norman. I think the piece is trying to present the idea that anyone can come together and dance, as on the stage they seem like normal working class people. Furthermore it is also trying to say that you can dance anywhere and everywhere due to the fact the setting is in a harbour. The purpose behind the music was to create a happy atmosphere, which then effected the movements making all the steps have high energy and strong dynamics. The costumes are un typical of the genre as they are dressed in ordinary clothes in that time. This had a positive effect on the piece as it makes it more realistic and also makes it seem like its the 19th century, when carousel is set. Overall I think the piece was successful, there weren't any parts I disliked, but I really liked the moments when all the dancers came together to create really interesting shapes. I really enjoyed watching all of the dance pieces, but I think my favourite is “In creases”. This is because of the energetic dance movements expressed in the style of contemporary ballet. As well as the interesting shapes and patterns formed by the dancers.

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