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Blog 8 - Differences & Similarities

I realised that Crystal Pite and Wayne McGregor both work alongside the dancers of the company to create their dance pieces. I believe that their ability to include their dancers in their creative process is incredible, as it makes it possible for the dancers to build on movement sequences and experiment, rather than just being the ones who perform the outcome. The company dancers have the opportunity to give their own approach to the choreographers stimulus, and they aren't treated as empty vessels ready to memorize multiple combinations. I found that I related to this method in some way, as I found that I personally prefer including other peoples' opinions and thoughts when I create. I really enjoy looking at things from different angles and perspectives, because I find that different life experiences shape the way we see the world, and I am always caught off-guard by how different each dancers' interpretations can be. 

The main difference I can point out between the two choreographers is the structure of their movements. I find that Crystal Pites' choreographies make more sense to me pattern-wise, as she is also a classically trained dancer, so her movement is understandably influenced by that. Wayne McGregors' choreographies are more abstract and 'unpredictable' in comparison to Pites'. He starts to create movement through mental images of different objects, and he translates what he 'sees' with his body, whereas Pites' choreographies are more emotion-driven and connected to the natural elements. She embodies these deep emotions and uses nature as a guide to create. Overall, it is evident that the stylistic differences between the two are very prominent. In my personal process I started off with a painting as my stimulus. I didn't think of the shapes and the structure like McGregor would probably do, but I focused more of a storyline that it inspired. The emotions I portrayed throughout, however, were the result of my mind map, and not the source of inspiration, like Crystal Pite. 

Everyone's journey is different, and just as beautiful, and I look forward to exploring new ways of creating in the future. Studying both of these choreographic practitioners' works has been a massive inspiration, and I would love to learn more about their processes. 









Crystal Pite, (n.d.)













                                                     Wayne McGregor, 2021





Word Count: 372



Bibliography:

Crystal Pite - Choreographer, (n.d.), Royal Opera House, Available at: https://www.roh.org.uk/people/crystal-pite

Wayne McGregor, 2021, Gramilano Dance Opera Photography, Available at: https://www.gramilano.com/2021/06/royal-opera-house-2021-2022-ballet-season/









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