Introduction
Dance shows are manifestations of creativity and a source of inspiration and entertainment. Dancing With The Stars is a popular show that hosts dance competitions between celebrities guided by professional choreographers. The dance analyzed in this essay was shown in season 14 of this show in 2012 and presented as “Men in Suits” (Idolfan9, 2012). The choreographers of the dance were Misha Gabriel and Nick Bass, and according to them, this dance is a fusion, mixing such styles as locking, house, popping, and the influence of Michael Jackson and jazz (DanceOn, 2012). Despite the difficulty of combining multiple styles into a single dance, the dancers produced a successful performance.
Abstract Nature of the Dance
“Men in Suits” is an abstract dance focused on technique and movement rather than a particular story. When assessing the use of space, dancers utilize different levels of stage and even platforms among the audience. During the dance, they change lines and create multiple figures, using the entire width of the stage and making smooth transitions. The dance includes movements in various directions, but the group is oriented mainly in one direction – to part of the audience and the camera.
Rhythm and Timing
Assessing the use of time, it is worth noting that the movements correspond to the music’s fast rhythm and the repeated rhythmic pattern, slowing down a little in the middle of the dance and accelerating again at the end. The dance does not use words or other sounds, only music, but ends with silence and stillness. The energy of the dance manifests itself in joyful and playful qualities, and the dynamics have accelerations and slowdowns but are predominantly fast and sharp.
Harmonious Transitions
The feature that stood out most was how the rhythm of the music changed, influencing dance. Still, the transitions looked harmonious and imperceptible, demonstrating skill and careful preparation. The dance involves professional dancers and choreographers with advanced skills, which is noticeable in their technique and accuracy of movement in accordance with rhythm. Moreover, experienced dancers can also show emotions to the audience during the performance, making the dance more expressive, as seen in “Men In Suits.” The music was chosen according to mood and dance style – it maintained a fast rhythm and playful dynamics, supporting positive emotion in the audience. Most of all, it is connected with jazz thanks to the choice of instruments and the live playing of musicians.
Costume and Style
The costumes chosen by the dancers correspond to the name of the dance and the styles mixed in it. The costumes include pants, suspenders, white shirts with ties or bow ties, fedora hats, and jackets – some of the dancers are in silver jackets, and the other part – is in black ones. The influence of jazz and the style of Michael Jackson is very noticeable in the choice of costumes. At the same time, the costumes do not limit or hide the dancers’ movements, and they are not too harsh, making them flow with the dance. The choice of outfits is most likely dictated by their correspondence to the selected styles and convenience.
Lighting and Atmosphere
The performance’s mood was supported by lighting dominated by warm colors – yellow and red. Lighting was also used to direct attention to certain dancers, who performed moves separately from the group at specific points in the dance. The choice of illumination emphasized the selected styles and positive emotions of the performance. Dancers minimally used set pieces and props – there were steps on stage and platforms among the audience on which dancers also performed. At the beginning of the dance, choreographers used small red handkerchiefs to emphasize the speed and flow of movements. The group did not use other technology during the performance.
Conclusion
Thus, “Men in Suits” is an abstract dance performed on the Dancing With The Stars show 2012. The dance attracts attention by combining several styles, performers’ skills, and smooth transitions. The performance has a fast rhythm and seeks to evoke positive emotions in the audience through the energy presented and by using appropriate lighting. Dance harmoniously combines movements, music, selected costumes, and the created atmosphere.
References
DanceOn. (2012). Macy’s stars of dance 2012 – DWTS season 14 – Travis Wall, Kenny Wormald, tWitch, Misha Gabriel [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Idolfan9. (2012). Stars of dance – Dancing with the stars season 14 results show [Video]. YouTube. Web.