Forsythe was trained in classical ballet, but decided to expand past the general constrains of the style. He drew from many different sources to develop his own movement style utilizing all points of the body as possible points for movement initiation that could move in any plane. Classical arms were switched for sharper angles, and the movement became more about the power of the lines of the body rather than the grace of those lines.
Although he began his training in the United States, Forsythe made his name in Germany. Now he both choreographs and tours his own company worldwide, known for the advances his has made to the classical art form. He has also contributed to improvisation in dance, combining his ideas with the work of Laban.
I personally appreciate the work Forsythe has done through his development of the ballet technique. Building off the classical structure as a foundation, he then extends every principle past the boundaries normally held, requiring the dancers to have great strength, technique, and sense of daring. He morphs classical and modern forms of dance into his own style that has developed from Balanchine's ideas to his own innovative works that provide various messages to the audience and are constantly breaking or stretching more and more rules of the classical form.
I have designed this blog to demonstrate these qualities, elucidate on how they have formed, and provide various external sources that further complete the picture. The photographs of dancers show stills of his work, and many of the links lead to different video sources to show his art in action.
Jordan, Your own values come through in this articulate and thorough blog that thoroughly explores the work and life of Forsythe. I hope you can engage in some of his technologies in a workshop somewhere soon?
ReplyDeleteI think it is so wonderful how Forsythe has fused classical ballet with modern dance. Often in modern dance you see choreographers trying to completely turn from ballet to really make a difference, to really show their fight to challenge tradition. Forsythe is able to create pieces that are contemporary, hard hitting, and powerful, while still having grace and technique behind them. It is refreshing to see an artist who is not afraid to combine styles. At school we study both ballet and modern, therefore seeing how important ballet technique is to the bases of modern dance. Being able to see this importance within pieces is inspiring and reminds me how important it is to keep an open mind and study all forms of dance, not just limit myself to one specific technique.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Selene - your own values and style and passion for dance really does come through in your blog, and watching you dance I can see how you have been inspired by him! Improv, politics, breaking boundaries, classicism, and postmodernism all in one - Forsythe is incredible.
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