Y DANCE

Ghost Dances    by Christopher Bruce 

 Inti Ilimani are a Chilean group who play South American Folk music. Christopher Bruce was inspired to create Ghost Dances after listening to this music and reseacrhing the civil war in Latin America.
Bruce used some animal like movements in his choreography such as reptiles and birds– this influence can also be seen in the costume design.

                                        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASIC FACTS      

 

Choreographer:    Christopher Bruce

Company:    Various, including Rambert Dance Company

First performance:    3 July, 1981

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

Choreographic style: Thematic and episodic with narrative elements. Strong characterisation

Theme:    Political oppression in Chile

Starting point/ Stimulus:    The music and South American rituals and culture.

Structure:  Seven sections, each characterised by a different piece of music or song.

Dancers:  Five women and six men

Accompaniment:  South American songs and folk tunes by Inti-Illamani (Arranged by Nicholas Mojsiejenko) and wind effects

Costume:  Belinda Scarlett
Ghosts wear wigs and rags and have skull-like masks and bodies painted to suggest bones and muscles. The Dead wear gender-specific, everyday clothes suggesting different walks of life, each wears a unique costume.  Ripped clothes suggest struggle.

Lighting: Nick Chelton
Gloomy and shadowy, side lighting highlights the ghosts. Brighter for folk-type dances performed by the Dead. Lighting changes (green) signify deaths.

Set:  Christopher Bruce
The painted backdrop represents a rocky plain and a cave opening. In the distance there is water and mountains. There are rock-like structures on stage.