As part of our dance work we were showed a DVD of 'Les Noces'. We learnt that it was devised at the beginning of the twentieth century, around the year 1923, by a Russian choreographer named Bronislava Nijinoka.

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Evaluation of 'Les Noces'

As part of our dance work we were showed a DVD of 'Les Noces'. We learnt that it was devised at the beginning of the twentieth century, around the year 1923, by a Russian choreographer named Bronislava Nijinoka. Les noces is famous for being one of the first contemporary ballets performed on the stage. It is known as a neo- classical ballet and is based on narrative allusions. It has a strong rhythmical emphasis and includes the use of point work.

Les noces is a very strong, emotional dance and creates a large impact. It is very compulsive and after watching the first scene you cannot help but to watch on. It has a large narrative content which gives it a desirable back bone. Les noces consists of four scenes which portray a Russian wedding. The scenes are: the consecration of the bride, the consecration of the bride groom, The departure of the bride and The wedding feast.

The choreographic techniques in Les noces are well thought out for the feeling and mood of the dance. The choreographer has used male and female dancers in a neo-classical dance that tells a story effectively. The choreographer has used symmetrical and linear shapes and lines as well as levels, this makes the dance more aesthetically pleasing and adds indefinitely to the depth and feeling contained within it. From the position and height of dancers contained within the dance we can get a feeling of what is happening and who is more important etc. We can also learn a lot from how the dancers travel. Les noces includes a very artistic style of jumps and travelling movements. In all the scenes contained within the dance there are different numbers of male and female dancers. To help create mood in the dance the choreographer has used a very percussive form of point work. He had used the method of dancing in point shoes into something that creates a meaningful sound. To help base the dance into a society and culture the choreographer has included a large amount of Russian folk dancing. The use of ballet in Les Noces is more isolated and stiffer than conventional ballet of the early twentieth century. It is more earthy and grounded and less floaty.
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The design in Les noces is relatively simple. The designer Natalia Gontcharova has used basic costumes and there is only one set. In the first scene the dancers just enter onto a plain stage. There is no backdrop etc, the dancers wear simple costumes, such as brown dresses and white shirts with all the women wearing head coverings. This is probably because we are meant to view these dancers as being peasants. The head coverings are also a religious symbol. The dancers aren't wearing masks or any obvious make up. The only main prop used in the dance ...

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