1. The Physical Setting
Props

2. Props
Props can be an integral part of the dance and are used in a variety of ways to communicate the artistic intent.
They can be used as decoration
They can help make the intentions of the dance clear

3. Props continued
Props can add to the audience appreciation of the dance
Can be part of the set
Can add to the the movement or stimulate the movement
Can have a symbolic meaning

4. Examples of props
Here in Swansong (1987) by Christopher Bruce you can see two props.
What are they?
Do they use any other props in this piece?

5. Cross Channel (1991) choreographed by Lea Anderson
Each prop contributes to the dance in a particular way.
Cameras fit into the holiday theme and movement is stylised to represent this
In a section the women take pictures. This in turn raises the status of women in the piece because men would traditionally be the ones to take the pictures in the 1950’s.

6. Cross Channel
Bicycles are one of the modes of transport in the piece. Again relating to the theme holiday and travelling.
In section * , the men are using 1990’s style bicycles which fits with the period of the costume in this scene.

7. Swansong (1987) by Christopher Bruce
A chair is used to aid the quality of the dancing and to symbolise the character being trapped and behind bars (as part of the interrogation).
A red nose is used to add a sense of the the guards poking fun at the prisoner.

8. Previous exam questions