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Analysis Of Cry By Alvin Ailey

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Alvin Ailey has cleverly used the importance of movement components throughout the second scene of his solo ‘Cry’, to successfully convey the intent of the dance and establish a connection between the audience and the dancer. As explained previously, the choreographic intent of this dance piece is to shine light on the hardships and struggles dealt with by African – American black women, while also highlighting their integrity and strength. Ailey has used a variety of both abstract and literal movements to portray the emotions of pain and anger. The dance step components of this piece focus on applying emphasis to the circulatory movements, especially including all extensions and isolations to show integrity through pain. Judith Jamison writes …show more content…

The soloist has an extremely communicative torso used continuously throughout the entirety of the second scene. By doing so, Ailey was able to convey the pain and emotional ache felt by black women. Depending on the movement paired with the chest isolations, this step can aide with portraying either the anger or pain felt by the dancer or the pride the dancer establishes as she overcomes her fears and has found a way to freedom. As well as this, the solo features numerous steps where it looks as though the dancer is looking to the distance and reaching for something. This displays the will that the dancer has to find her way and to be happy. The reaching action symbolises that the dancer does not want to feel the pain of injustice and inequality anymore; she wants to find something more and escape the world of slavery and pain that is forced onto them. The reiteration of torso-engendered movements and the reaching of the arms up and around the body places an emphasis on the dancers will to endure slavery in order to achieve freedom, and consequently accomplish success through that specific

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