Blog 13: Taylor II Ballet
Lights, camera, action! After everyone settles in, the music begins and the curtains open, revealing six dancers, dressed in either flowing white dresses or white leotards. The excitement begins right off the bat, with upbeat music to get the ballet started. Beginning with a classic ballet, Aureole set the stage for the remaining two pieces, one entitled Company B and the othe entitled Esplanade. Each dance flowed together perfectly, transitioning from one “scene” to the next by gracefully running on and off stage. The three dances, although they consisted of the same style of dance, captured my attention in different ways. The distinguishing feature of being theatrical is what drew me to the second piece.
On February 6th, a story was told on the stage of the Performing Arts Center. The Paul Taylor II Dance Company put unique twists on ordinary ballet techniques in attempt to capture the attention of the audience, while being dramatic enough to give their dances a theatrical theme. However, a ballet doesn’t just consist of dancing; there are a variety of factors that go into producing an effective ballet. For example, the costumes must be reflective of the piece in which they are paired with. If the performers wore their 1920s outfits in the first piece, I doubt I would think the ballet was affecting. There would be a sense of confusion, since the costumes and dancing would represent two different styles of ballet.
Each piece consisted of its own style and technique, which is how the dancers try to capture the attention of the audience and to keep them on the edge of their seats. I was able to realize how much work goes into each and every skill. Flexibility, as well as strength is needed to perform in a ballet, as well as a theatrical appeal. Taylor II successfully executed every aspect of a ballet, despite any viewer’s preference of one over the others.