Fancy Free - Jerome Robbins Flashcards
What is the context?
- the work was a collaboration between two rising stars of the time; Jerome Robbins and Leonard Bernstein.
- the ballet was the first in a series of collaborations between choreographer-director and composer that would culminate in the immense critical and popular success of future works
- The two managed to capture the sound and feel of a particular American moment in a way that still resonates today.
What’s the narrative of Fancy Free?
- the period of World War 2 in New York City, where three sailors who are on shore leave, are exploring the streets of NYC. After stumbling into a bar, they all end up competing between each other to date the two girls that they meet.
How is blending of styles seen in Fancy Free?
the three sailors are in a line facing downstage, as they take 4 steps, with their arms wrapped around eachother, before performing a pirouette en dehour on their right leg, with their left leg in cou-de-pied. When coming out of the pirouette they devloppe their left leg towards downstage left, with their right foot on releve, before stepping the left leg in front of the right leg, to shunt back whilst performing an arabesque en fondu. Simultaneously, their left arm extends behind as their right arm is bent and wrapped behind their back.
- This shows the blend from a pedestrianised walk straight into performing a more classical movement. Therefore, Robbins helped to bridge the gap between classical ballet to a more modernised jazz dance, from the influence of Balanchine.
How is the contribution of bridging the gap between baller and jazz seen?
The Latin influences in “Fancy Free” performed by the female characters take on the idea of bridging the gap between ballet and jazz dance as it introduces a different style to the work that wouldnt have been typically seen within ballets from large companies such as “ballet russe”
How is the contribution of defined characters and saw acting and music equal importance to the dancing?
The characters of the sailors in “Fancy Free” are an example of the way that Robbins has defined them through the context behind their roles. This has been done through the backstory of being naval sailors who are on leave form being out at sea. The characterisation of the sailors as well as seeing their dance style
How is the contribution of American themes seen?
The context of “Fancy Free” involves the idea of society in America at the time as the sailors presented were likely to be at war during WW2 and their aim was to try and find a woman for the night. This would have been typical behaviour of sailors at the time as a form of entertainment. Robbins has utilised the societal context at the time to enhance the movement content and to give his works something to think about for audiences.
How is the contribution of ‘concept musical’ dance and music driving narrative shown?
Through his **collaborative work **with Leonard Bernstein, it allowed Robbins to develop strong musicality and proximity with the movement content and music. This proximity added highlights within the music that led to highlights within the movement. For example, during the first section, there are specific highlights where we are able to see the characterisation of the sailors which leads to the development of the plot.
