Group field trip: ballet performance of l'altra meta del cielo
In L’altra Metà del Cielo, or “The Other Side of the Sky” Martha Clarke, the choreographer, takes on an usual challenge – staging a dance piece based on the music of aging Italian rock star Vasco Rossi, a man known for his drug use, racism, and misogyny. The resulting piece is different, but portrays a wonderful message. Clarke transforms Rossi’s lyrics of hatred into a piece that glorifies the feminine identity, rather than tears it down. The ballet follows four young women at different stages in their life and relationships. Each story shows the woman dealing with insecurities, difficult trials and love.
The choreography was based on ballet and contemporary dance movements. This fit well with the feminine appeal being conveyed. The dancers’ soft and flowing dance steps seemed weightless and light, playing into the female lifestyle. The music was sung by an Italian singer named Vasco Rossi, and the choreography was created to compliment the music and display the strength of the women in the dance. The lighting of the dance was very soft and each piece of the dance was intensified by the different lights - depending on the mood of the dancer and how the choreographer wanted the audience to feel. Each woman had a different style of costume, representing their personalities and their individual stories. One dancer had red incorporated into her outfits, resembling passion and a fierce personality. Another dancer often wore white, symbolizing her purity and her innocence. When these elements were put together into one production, the powerful message it gave to audiences was incredible.
Overall, the ballet was different, but well organized. The plot of the ballet described the hardships and trials that the female population has gone through and will go through. However, it is not the hard things in life that we should focus on. Rather, we should celebrate life and our differences. Even though life at times is hard and difficult, there is happiness on the other side of the sky.
The choreography was based on ballet and contemporary dance movements. This fit well with the feminine appeal being conveyed. The dancers’ soft and flowing dance steps seemed weightless and light, playing into the female lifestyle. The music was sung by an Italian singer named Vasco Rossi, and the choreography was created to compliment the music and display the strength of the women in the dance. The lighting of the dance was very soft and each piece of the dance was intensified by the different lights - depending on the mood of the dancer and how the choreographer wanted the audience to feel. Each woman had a different style of costume, representing their personalities and their individual stories. One dancer had red incorporated into her outfits, resembling passion and a fierce personality. Another dancer often wore white, symbolizing her purity and her innocence. When these elements were put together into one production, the powerful message it gave to audiences was incredible.
Overall, the ballet was different, but well organized. The plot of the ballet described the hardships and trials that the female population has gone through and will go through. However, it is not the hard things in life that we should focus on. Rather, we should celebrate life and our differences. Even though life at times is hard and difficult, there is happiness on the other side of the sky.