Christopher Bruce as Associate Director And Associate Choreographer

Question 1

Between what years was Christopher Bruce Associate Director? Who’s artistic directorship was he under?

Answer 1

1974 to 1979

Under John Chesworth

Question 2

In what year was Bruce Associate choreographer? Who’s artistic directorship was he under?

Answer 2

1980

Chesworth/ North

Question 3

Between what years was Bruce Artistic Director?

Answer 3

1994 to 2002

Question 4

Who are the 6 key influences on Bruce? State how they influenced him.

Answer 4

1. Marie Rambert= Exposed him to the use of narrative and characterisation in dance through the many narrative ballets during his time as a dancer at rambert. Also expressed her high musical standards
2. Glen Tetley= Bruce danced in many of his works when he was brought in to mentor and train the dances in the new style, including Pierrot Lunaire . This enabled him to develop his technique, provide him with a successful platform to begin choreographing from and learn his choreographic style. Developed his characterisation
3. Norman Morrice= his dances explored universal themes and he introduced the Graham technique into the company
4. Anna Sokolow= popular music and use of sociopolitical subject matter
5. John Chesworth= Universal and sociopolitical themes
6. Walter Gore= ballet, social and psychological realism and abstract presentation

Question 5

State and explain as many features of Bruce’s choreographic style as you can

Answer 5

• blend of classical ballet vocab with Graham technique (style he learnt as a dancer)
• Episodic structure with narrative thread
• stillness of movement, contrasting with the fluidity and intricate footwork
• sociopolitical subject matter and themes
• many works are open to many different interpretations (this is abstract expressionism being shown)
• dances have dynamic
• dramatic and emotive themes
• pedestrian gestures
• expressive use of torso and off balance
• motif development and symbolic repetition of motifs to reinforce imagery and highlight emotional intensity
• music used as a base of structure, to define sections and show dramatic intentions
• idea of a journey (audience taken on a journey with the dancers in a specific context)
• moments of humour
• eclectic movement range (folk, tap, social acrobatics weaved throughout)
• characterisation communicated through the body
• physical setting minimised (extensive use of dance space)

Question 6

State and explain as many starting points for Bruce’s works.

Answer 6

• use of physical stimuli (paintings, poetry, music)
• autobiographies (such as Joan and Víctor Jara)
• sociopolitical themes (oppression and championing oppression groups)
• human rights and raising awareness of political oppression
• personal battles or battling against diversity
• autobiographical elements from his own experiences
• music