something old, something new..

Something old, something new…

Today I read an interesting reading talking about eclecticism in postmodern dance. As at first I was unsure what eclecticism actually was so was really intrigued at Joshua Monten’s description of it. He says that eclecticism is a distinguishing feature of postmodern dance, and is a mixture of different dance styles and languages that choreographers draw upon to make a new language of their own.

He gives an example of Alvin Ailey’s revelations; as there are lots of different sections, a broad range and demanding on performers. Despite this the movement language and choreography is reflective of Ailey’s techniques and very consistent to the company style (an outsider could have seen the work and guessed it was from Ailey’s company; which is in no way a bad thing) but therefore is not eclectic.

Monten goes on to talk about Tywla Tharp and how she was ‘a pioneer for using eclectic methods of dance composition.’ She did this by drawing movement ideas from a number of sources, using unlikely combinations whilst thriving for something ‘new’. She wanted a different way of moving instead of just a range of different moves.

Monten also talk about himself as a dance performer, and how he was trained in a great number of techniques. These techniques proposed specific and varied demands on the dancer, and in his experience he found he got confused. For example he had advanced training in ballet, then the next day would have training in caopeira, and found that his kicks in caopeira were light, and had a ballet essence to them.

This made me think about myself as a dancer, how I am being trained in a number of techniques and whether I feel confused at all. Although I find different aspects of every class difficult and struggle with certain things in every lesson, I don’t think I am confused, as the outline and feeling of my classes are very clear.

Nowadays I think many dancers are trained to be versatile, and have the ability to do a number of varied and sometimes contrasting techniques. Monten uses the term “hired body” as a dancer who is trained to be versatile and would be the prime choice for post-modern choreographers who choose to be electic.

Tharp talked about this when she said she suffered from being eclectic as she had ‘too many options.’ “To fly straight into an arabesque with no hesitation or to hold the body serenely in balance for eight pirouettes demands a solid, unquestioned technique”

As Tharp was trained in many techniques I imagine that she would have faults in ballet where a dancer who trained only in ballet would not. Where she triumphs though is her ability to use her many technique experiences and her dance background to combine these and make a new language that has not been seen before.