Ghost Dances

Question 1

Who is the choreographer of Ghost Dances?

Answer 1

Christopher Bruce

Question 2

Which companies performed Ghost Dances?

Answer 2

Various, including Rambert Dance Company

Question 3

What was Ghost Dances first performed?

Answer 3

1981

Question 4

What is the accompaniment for Ghost Dances?

Answer 4

South American songs and folk tunes by inti-illamani and wind effects

Question 5

Who designed the costumes for Ghost Dances?

Answer 5

Belinda Scarlett

Question 6

What are some key features of the costumes?

Answer 6

Ghosts have a scar like masks and bodies painted to suggest bones and muscles. They wear wigs and rags. The dead wear gender specific, every day clothes suggesting different walks of life. Each of the dead wears a unique costume.

Question 7

Who designed the lighting?

Answer 7

Nick Chelton

Question 8

Shat are some key features of the lighting?

Answer 8

Gloomy and shadowy, side lighting highlights the ghosts. Brighter for folk type dances performed by the dead. Lighting changes signify deaths.

Question 9

Who designed the set for Ghost Dances?

Answer 9

Christopher Bruce (the same person as the choreographer)

Question 10

What are some key features of the set?

Answer 10

The painted backdrop represents a rocky playing and the cave opening. In the distance there is water and mountains. That are rock like structures on stage.

Question 11

How many dancers are there in Ghost Dances?

Answer 11

5 women and 6 men

Question 12

What are the dance styles of Ghost Dances?

Answer 12

A blend of contemporary (Graham-influenced) and ballet with elements of folk and social styles.

Question 13

What is the choreographic style in Ghost Dances?

Answer 13

Thematic and episodic with narrative elements. Strong characterisation.

Question 14

What is the theme of Ghost Dances?

Answer 14

Political oppression in Chile

Question 15

What is the inspiration for Ghost Dances?

Answer 15

The music and the South American rituals and culture

Question 16

What is the structure/ sections of Ghost Dances?

Answer 16

7 sections, each characterised by a different piece of music or song.

Question 17

Describe a motif of unison

Answer 17

Ojos azules - ghosts trio
Arms parallel to the floor and over one another whilst legs in parallel forth with weight over right leg. Then bend and turn out left leg into grand second pilé. Turn right leg inwards as it goes on the floor, the right then follows through while you stretch your arms outwards between downstage left and right and lean towards your right leg. Lift your body and bring it towards your right leg. Lift your body and bring it inwards to a small turn to the floor. End with your weight over on your right leg and your arms outstretched facing down stage right.