Influences on art, artists and society Flashcards
Example 1
Wheeldon is influencing the arts, particularly the world of ballet as he blends both tradition with modern influence, creating a new sub-genre of ballet. Wheeldon does this by incorporating classical techniques, but with more dynamic movement to make ballet more accessible. Wheeldon has even been quoted as wanting to make “classical ballet with contemporary influences…” and he achieves this through his amazing storytelling. Ballet is over 500 years old, but Wheeldon says “it is possible for ballet to be young, sexy, dynamic and exciting.”Wheeldon is making a positive contribution on the world of dance, as he is modernising the dance style and making it more accessible. Essentially he is taking the genre of ballet and giving it a much need face lift.
Wheeldon has influenced American ballet dancer Wendy Whelan, a retired New York City Ballet principle dancer, who performed with the company for 30 years. In 2019 Whelan was named Associate Director of the NYCB. Whelan and Wheeldon have worked together on multiple projects, including Whelan being an influential guest artist with Morphosis/The Wheeldon Company. Whelan also collaborated on a number of ballets, choreographed by Wheeldon, including Wheeldon’s breakthrough ballet Polyphonia. Whelan described this experience as aiding her to “find herself as a dancer.”
Example 2
Christopher Wheeldon has worked with a great variety of artists including dancers, choreographers, musicians, and designers, helping to bridge the gap between other artistic disciplines, and dance. Wheeldon has initiated many collaborations between a wide range of artists and musicians to bridge the gap between dance and other art forms. In doing so, Wheeldon has helped to expand the audience for dance, bringing new perspectives to his choreography. Through his artistic leadership, Wheeldon has led many major ballet companies in their productions. This includes Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company, and his time as the associate artistic director of the Royal Ballet. With his leadership, Wheeldon has shaped the direction of these institutions, and the development of new dancing talents. It has been said that “Moving people has made Christopher Wheeldon an internation superstar. Every major ballet company is after him.” Wheeldon’s works have aided in bridging the gap between various artistic disciplines, and act to inspired dancers, choreographers, and musicians to come together, and be inspired.
Wheeldon has influenced and worked with many artists, one of whom is James MacMillan, a Scottish Classical Composer and conductor. MacMillan and Wheeldon were first brought together in 2002, for their professional collaboration on Tryst, being performed by the Royal Ballet. Thrilled with the opportunity to work with Wheeldon, MacMillan described the experience as influencing his work saying “He has shone a light into the music, which is a new and unexpected perspective. There is something in both our work that evokes this sense of mysticism, mystery or otherness. I was aware of that corresponding sense of beauty …”
(Add Link)
