One Flat Thing Dance Analysis

Words: 1526
Pages: 7

William Forsythe has a unique view of the ballet world, and has continued to break ballet stereotypes within his work with companies such as Ballet Frankfurt and ultimately, his own company. Forsythe created “One Flat Thing-reproduced” in 2000 as a dance film rendition of his previous onstage masterpiece. His choreography, beyond that which is shown in the dance film, challenges the audience to think beyond superficiality to truly engage in the beauty and creativity of dance. Within the twenty-five minute dance film, he takes advantage of the ability to see dance at different angles, angles that cannot be shown in an auditorium. The location and added creativity of filming transforms this piece, and to the advanced mind, can break through a one-dimensional view of dance. When I first watched this dance film, I can admit that I was bored. The dance lacked elaborate costumes, bright backdrops, or even an obvious story line. The dancers were obviously talented, but I felt the movement was repetitive, as well as lacking luster. There were no grand leaps, turns, or acrobatics. It was obvious the dancers had the ability to do all those things, but instead were playing with their hands, or looking at the space around them. I believe that in today’s …show more content…
There will be are some who focus on the show. Producing elaborate costumes, backdrops, astounding music, and obviously difficult “show-stopping” choreography. Others will be more focused on the process of the movement, or the experimentation of the unknown. The unknown can be found in individual artistic process and allowing the body to set it’s own choreography. Many would say this mental experimentation allows for tremendous growth of the dancers and audiences as well. Although one form is not better than the other, it is important for all audiences to acknowledge their differences and experience