Intention and Formal Structure

Question 1

Intention

Answer 1

In my opinion, The Caucus Race from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, is about a whimsical and nonsensical race, which begins with all the creatures getting damp because of swimming in a lake of Alice’s tears. After the creatures introduce themselves they ask Alice to come up with a way to get them dry so she suggests a caucus race. A caucus race usually refers to a political meeting or gathering, but in this context it is used to define a race with no logic, rules, or clear winner. The caucus race follows no clear structure, and is chaotic which Alice finds frustrating, she eventually joins in but still struggles with a lack of structure and calls the race off, leading to the creatures getting annoyed with her and leaving.

Question 2

Formal Structure

Answer 2

SECTION A: 0.00 – 0.35 secs
SECTION B1: 0.35 – 2.05 mins
SECTION B2: 2.05 – 3.04 mins
SECTION C: 3.04mins – 3.43 mins

Narrative (A,B and C), Section B is large so it has been split into B1 and B2.

Question 3

Formal Structure, movement Vocabulary and link to Intention: A

Answer 3

A
0.00 - 0.35secs
The section starts with all the creatures swimming through the pool of tears, Alice is also swimming and twirling through the water. Alice performs multiple turns to the corner almost symbolizing her dancing through the water. The water ascends and all the creatures begin gesturing as if drying themselves off.
Alice meets many mysterious creatures swimming in the pool of tears. As they exit the water, Alice and all the creatures start to dry off and make their brief introductions.

Question 4

Formal Structure, movement Vocabulary and link to Intention: B1

Answer 4

B1
0.35 - 2.34mins
The mouse points to Alice, she gestures signifying an idea, this is followed by another gesture symbolizing running. The race starts but all the creatures are performing different movements to show that they are not following the rules of a race. Alice gestures by calling out to the animals because she is getting frustrated and then all of the creatures start the race again. This section uses a lot of contrast to show that the race is nonsensical. B1 ends with Alice participating in a slow run with all of the creatures.
This section is about Alice attempting to commence, explain, and participate in the caucus race, but finding it difficult due to the animals nonsensical and chaotic ways, and not following the rules.

Question 5

Formal Structure, movement Vocabulary and link to Intention: B2

Answer 5

B2
2.05 - 3.04 mins
B2 commences with the turtle shaking Alice’s hand which is followed by all of the creatures partnering up and performing a partnering waltz. Then in unison, the creatures perform a twist combination, in which Alice joins in. B2 ends with Alice performing a turning sequence away from the creatures.
B2 shows the utter chaos of the race and that the creatures have forgotten what they are meant to be doing. The waltz between the creatures shows the nonsensical nature of the race.

Question 6

Formal Structure, movement Vocabulary and link to Intention: C

Answer 6

C
3.04 - 3.43mins
Section C starts with the creatures in two lines and they travel by turning inwards towards Alice. She tries to push them all away. They then start performing different lift combinations in contrast. Alice retrieves the gun from the Lory and fires it. The Lory squarks at Alice and takes the gun from her hand. All of the creatures then exit the stage, making large squawking sounds.
Alice decides to end the race because it is too chaotic. The animals grow annoyed with her for spoiling her fun and leave, whilst squawking.