Through the readings, I have been learning the dance development and changes throughout the years. In the post-modernism, the modern dancers and choreographers continued to experiment new feelings and movements. For example, Robert Wilson’s Einstein on the beach, which had the costumes based on photography of Albert Einstein and music by Phillip Glass, has no story behind the scene. It was first performed in 1976 in the Avignon Festival. Through the video I watched, I thought it was really interesting because it mixed modern dance, theater and music all at once. The piece is exciting and sometimes slow but still lively. In contrast, Pilobolus’ Untitled, which was first performed in 1975, had a story behind, and the music is softer than Wilson’s work. I think the choreography is not as exciting as Einstein, but the idea of focusing on the long skirts and the dancers often pushing it up to show their bare legs is deep and interesting.
Having watched the video of Light Part 7 choreographed by Kei Takei and first performed in 1973, I believe that Takei wanted to bring the idea of primitive and earth throughout her choreography. Although the piece is extremely slow and has simplistic movements, it is powerful and deep in meaning. On the other hand, the most exciting piece I watched of post-modernism is Mark Morris’s L'Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, in which the dancers perform energetic, fast and lively movements. The costumes are simple dresses, and each dancer wears a different color. Although the costumes and setting are not sophisticated, the choreography and music catch the audience’s attention easily.
The video that I liked the most was a little part of Pina Bausch’s Cafe Müller, in which there is a tension between the woman and the man. I cached my attention because the intention and expression that the dancers put on the dance are strong and powerful. I felt a bit of anger and sadness in the piece because the dancers transmitted those feelings. It is the main reason that makes someone be a dancer. Transmitting the feelings and expressing themselves through movements is the power that dancers have. It strongly relates to my modern class because I try every day to improve my artistic and energetic movements.