Dance - Wings of a dove - initial ideas to final development.

In one lesson we got into three/four small groups to devise a motif/movement phrase to go in 'Wings of a Dove'. Myself and Megan's characters lead the entire song so we had priority when it came to choreography. However, we did take on board peoples ideas and collaboratively used a mixture of our own and the classes.

Here were out initial ideas for the chorus of 'Wings of a Dove' which made it into the final version of the dance.

As you can see the body percussion phrase didn't make it into the final cut. This was because from rehearsal we established that the rhythm of the body percussion didn't fit with the music. Therefore, we cut it from the piece but luckily it didn't make too much of a difference. We understood from watching the musical version of 'Wings of a dove' that it had a lively carnival like theme. Meaning it would be very energetic and full of colour. This meant that we experimented with movements we may not have done if it were for a more contemporary serious dance. For example, we use the butterfly arm movement and wavy arms. This is to represent the crazy, fun wedding/party atmosphere that goes along with this song.

In our next lesson of choreography for 'Wings of a dove' we had the year 13/14s meaning we could experiment with more elaborate movements. For example, right at the beginning there are two lines and they each go through each other. I thought this move was good as straight away it shows the intimacy of the dance and how relaxed it should be. i.e people are holding hands and are in close proximity to each other. Showing that the relationships between them are close and that they are in a happy moment at this particular part.

WWW.
I believe we worked well as an ensemble and managed to add in our own characters characteristics to the dance and how they would react with certain people. For example, as a certain moment we have a little bit od dialogue during the song. At this point me and Andy (lewis) group in a corner. Then Megan, Harry and Vicki group in the other (Billie, Emmo and Kath) these characters have very strong positive relationships with one another so it would make sense that they were together. By having us grouped together away from the main ensemble it shows our closeness.
I think we managed to capture the high energy and enthusiasm the danc ehas through some of our movements. For example, we have a section where we skip around the stage following each other and then later a motif where quick thigh slaps are involved. This shows the ecstatic nature of the song and how its a happy, celebratory dance. i.e. The Wedding.

EBI. ( I was in a lot of pain when doing this dance this day hence why I look really unhappy)
Personally, I find this dance a little bit of a struggle as I'm not a dancer and therefore feel slightly uncomfortable and inferior. In order to improve this I could practice more and ask fro individual help with movement and technique from either Kat (the dance teacher) or Megan who is my duo partner. This way it would make me feel more confident with the movements and therefore also help with my characterisation in this dance as 'Angie' is known to be outgoing and therefore would exaggerate these movements.
I feel that this dance in certain parts still needs to have more energy and ferocity as its a celebration and it almost seems to tamed. For example, at one point it has the ensemble walking in a circle at a fairly slow speed. I feel as though we need more possibly duets and solo dance motifs just add a bit of flair into the routine. However, this may be improved when costume and props are added into the mix