Portfolio Activity 4

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University of Wisconsin, Madison *

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Arts Humanities

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Apr 3, 2024

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docx

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Portfolio Activity 2.1.1 Part 1: This piece thematically has to do with Blackness and Christianity. It’s important to recognize that some of the songs performed in the piece are Negro Spirituals, which date back to slavery in the United States. The introduction of Christianity to Black Americans was originally used as a tool for submission to keep slaves complicit, so to see how this story is being told through the lens of a Black dance company feels like a reclamation. The audience can see how “elite” western styles of dance can be used to articulate a culture too profound to be captured by anyone other than the people who created it. o The dance specifically during “Fix Me, Jesus” felt especially enticing because of their ability to story tell through choreography. It felt like I was reading a book as I watched the performance. I saw one dancer struggling on many occasions, but the other dancer would always be there to catch them. Throughout the performance, there were constant themes of protection, safety, and security. This was evident when I’d see one dancer support the other when they were in difficult poses, but eventually the dancer would let go and the other dancer remain in position. These visual interpretations play directly into the lyrics of the song which talk about needing a strength greater than you own. It’s also about not being able to complete the task alone, but also knowing that no matter what you go through that you’re never alone. It was great to see how easily they were able to convey these complex messages through dance. 2.1.1 Part 2: After reviewing the analysis by DeFrantz, I’m more confident in my initial conclusions. I was correct in my historical knowledge of this music coming out of Black struggle and sorrow. I also agree that this show was a Black cultural experience deeply rooted in the religion and cultural practices of Black people. In DeFrantz’s analysis it’s clear to see the picture of the dance in his mind and how easily he interprets movement into thought and intention. The performance is clearly very conscious, and every minute detail was planned, but DeFrantz provides new meaning to readers by adding the cultural and historical knowledge needed to fully understand this piece. For example, DeFrantz mentions how Negro spirituals had hidden messages for slaves and how some movements signified prayer while others may have represented physical bondage. The connection between choreography and practical storytelling can be seen too. In the piece, “Fix Me, Jesus” DeFrantz mentions how the woman in the piece is being aided be an angel (DeFrantz, 2006). This coincidentally fit perfectly with how a male dancer typically supports a woman in this style of dance. These
subtle nuances assisted the choreographer in being able to create a fluid piece such as this one. Citations YouTube. (2020). Revelations . YouTube . Retrieved September 29, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDXerubF4I4. DeFrantz, T. (2006). Dancing revelations: Alvin Ailey’s embodiment of African American culture . Oxford University Press.
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