Dance, as a powerful form of communication, distinguishes itself from verbal expression through its unique relationship with narrative. While dance can certainly articulate a story, as seen in narrative ballets, its true strength lies in its capacity to convey meaning beyond explicit storytelling through symbolism.
Consider the renowned classical ballet, Swan Lake. The ballet’s second act vividly illustrates a narrative: a prince encounters swans by a lake, intends to hunt them, and is then captivated by the Swan Queen’s revelation of a bewitchment. These plot points are meticulously communicated through specific movements, demanding a degree of movement literacy from the audience to fully grasp the narrative. This approach inherently caters to a more initiated audience.
However, to resonate with a broader audience, especially one diverse in linguistic backgrounds and dance familiarity, we must transcend the confines of explicit narrative and venture into the expressive realm of symbolism. This is where abstract movement becomes paramount, particularly evident in contemporary dance, especially when contrasted with its classical counterpart, ballet.
While contemporary dance shares technical foundations with ballet, its communicative essence resides not merely in isolated gestures, but in the intricate relationships between successive movements. This interplay forges context. Envision a dancer abruptly flinging their hands upwards. In isolation, this gesture remains ambiguous. Yet, picture the same dancer sharply turning away from a partner, arms thrown up in a violent surge, suspended momentarily, and then descending with agonizing slowness. This sequence evokes a palpable sense of despair.
“Abstract dance liberates physical expression from narrative constraints, yet it amplifies its potential for profound meaning.”
This dynamic interplay of gestures unlocks a vast spectrum of human emotions – from the chilling grip of fear to the gentle pull of curiosity, or the comforting embrace of belonging. Our performances often delve into intricate emotional landscapes and multi-layered messages. To ensure effective communication, we frequently embrace surrealism. We harness the tangible tools of reality to articulate abstract narratives. Symbolism and iconography emerge as indispensable tools for conveying these nuanced layers of meaning through abstract performances. A compelling example is the “Summer Garden Dinner” event we conceptualized and executed at the Beurs van Berlage in July 2020, which exemplified this approach.
