A Critique of Justin Pecks “In The Countenance of Kings”

 (San Francisco Ballet, 2022)



In this blog, I will be discussing a piece by Justin Peck named "In the Countenance of Kings'' performed by San Francisco Ballet. My first impressions of this piece were very positive and uplifting. The music was very light and there were chimes throughout the music, this could represent a sign of hope. At the start of the piece, a dancer has just finished performing and looks defeated and fatigued. When she stands to look in the mirror, she sees a reflection of herself. In her reflection she is wearing a red leotard, suggesting a sense of power and confidence (Smith, 2022). In comparison to her blue leotard, which could show commitment and dependability but also sadness (Smith, 2022). This could represent progression or a futuristic version of herself as her reflection appears to have more confident body language and a strong eye contact. She also takes down her hair and is wearing trainers, representing a sense of freedom and independence. 


The setting changes from being in a dance studio to now being in an abandoned manor house. This could suggest that this is a place she feels comfortable or most accepted. Two dancers start the piece performing in unison, their movements are big, and they clearly show the differentiation between the light and grounded movements using levels. Further on in the piece, they use repetition as more dancers join and begin to mirror each other in couples. Their movements looked more powerful and strong in unison, suggesting the importance of influence and how you should display yourself in order to inspire a community. 


Throughout the piece they use the device of repetition by incorporating similar movements. This creates a more personal identity to the piece and shows the importance of the position that's being performed. They repeat a pose fifth in unison throughout the piece, showing pride and power. This could show the audience the progression of confidence that the dancers have created together. Towards the end of the piece the dancers change formations multiple times, this suggests the significance of forming different relationships and bonds with different people. Also, showing how many different individuals can still become united even with differences. 


At the end of the piece, all the dancers joined in performing the same choreography section. They used a staggered formation to create a layered effect. This makes a wave image and enhances the dancers' movement as they're all dancing in unison. As the music builds, the instruments are quite frantic creating a sense of excitement for the audience and the dancers interpret swiffer movements. In couples they use each other as a rebound and repeat this sequence several times. This could symbolise the significance of creating relationships and teaching each other. Also, this shows how many different people from different backgrounds can join together to become a united team.


Overall, I found this piece to be a physical representation of how the dancer overcomes her insecurities internally. She does this by utilising lessons she's learnt and also by breaking down boundaries she put up herself. Furthermore, this piece shows the emotions she felt and how they transformed into empowerment and strength. By the end of the piece, she has the realisation that she's exceeded her limitations and has the ability to expand it further.


Word Count: 546


San Francisco Ballet, 2022. In the Countenance of Kings. [image] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMTv_Y0Zrl4> [Accessed 8 October 2022].


Smith, K., 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.sensationalcolor.com/meaning-of-red/> [Accessed 8 October 2022].


Smith, K., 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.sensationalcolor.com/meaning-of-blue/> [Accessed 8 October 2022].

Comments

  1. Lily Brown Level 3 creativity and choreographyOctober 18, 2022 at 7:22 AM

    I didn't like the repetition sections in the choreography as they were too often, and I feel as though it didn't add to the storyline.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousNovember 18, 2022 at 11:40 AM

    Your overall view on the piece is really interesting, i enjoyed reading the blog as it had a lot of observation of the piece.

    ReplyDelete
  3. FrancescaNovember 27, 2022 at 9:27 AM

    what did you like in this dance?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lily Brown Level 3 creativity and choreographyDecember 3, 2022 at 8:30 AM

      I enjoyed how the dance changed formations and they had sections of small groups and duets dancing together

      Delete
  4. Charlotte CarvossoDecember 7, 2022 at 1:23 PM

    I really like the detailed analysis you have provided of this piece

    ReplyDelete

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