HOW DOES THE DANCE TELL THE STORY?

The two dancers seen in the clip represent the concept of spiritual guidance, where the old spirit is guiding the new, and where what is sacred and delicate is transferred with the right energy. The young spirit must listen well and see clearly to enable it to learn about life.

One dancer shadows the movements of the other. Observing the qualities of the dancers’ movements shows how the dance can tell a story by creating interesting dynamics through movement. The dancers are light on their feet; their knees are bent to absorb the quick transference of weight. Their arm movements change from being outstretched to fold into the body. They execute these movements by controlling the centre of their body so they can stay balanced as they move their arms in very quick, but controlled wing-like actions.

SOME SPECIFIC FEATURES OF MOTH

In the dance Moth, the dancers illustrate the way the moth feels the air for the first time beyond the protection of the cocoon. The two dancers interact and support each other using partnering techniques (pas de deux). Some of the choreography has the dancers moving in unison; at other times we see them mirror each other. The excerpt Moth also demonstrates the choreographic possibilities of movements (developing a movement vocabulary) inspired by biological attributes of animals as they relate to their own unique physical features. Examples of this are quick expansions and contractions of movements, small shifts to inhabit another space, and soft movements that have faded endings. This demonstrates the use of space and dynamics.

The notes above are sourced from Bangarra's e-resource Moth, compiled by Shane Carroll.