A Dance King, Secure in His Domain
By GIA KOURLAS
Current Event by: Gwenny Schiller
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/14/arts/dance/14gome.html
Summary:
Brazilian dancer Marcelo Gomes, is the “completes the package of dancer, actor, and partner”. Right now, he is performing in a touring show known as the “Kings of the Dance” which “celebrates the art of male dancing.” In this production, Gomes will be performing a solo called “Small Steps” created for him by Adam Hougland and many other dance numbers. “Small Steps”, is a seven minute piece that is very personal to Mr. Gomes. He “moves slowly, as jolts of energy pulsate through his body like tremors.” The solo has been matched with music by Michael Nyman. Mr. Gomes is the principal of dancer at American Ballet Theater.
Relation to our class:
We’re learning about the roaring 20’s. At this time, the art of dance was changing dramatically. New forms of dance and music were being formed together to make modern day dance such as the jazz and hip-hop we have today.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you think Mr. Gomes is a good role model?
- Would you like to see the “Kings of the Dance”? Why or why not?
- What does the “King of the Dance” celebrate?
Discussion Question Answers:
- I think Mr. Gomes is a great role model. He isn’t to full of himself and he believes that there’s always room for improve. Mr. Gomes says, “ I am not, like, Superman. I have things that I have to work on every day.”
- Even though I prefer jazz and hip-hop over ballet, I do think seeing “Kings of the Dance” would be fun to see. If Mr. Gomes is as good as the article say, I think he is worth seeing.
- The “King of the Dance” celebrates the art of the male dancing.
Comments (6)
Noor Q said
at 9:10 pm on Feb 17, 2010
1. I think Mr. Gomes is a wonderful role model! He has persevered through many a hardship and has worked his way up to the top, always working and always making improvements. He has not become overly confident in his skill and believes that he is always learning and he embraces it.
2. I would love to see "Kings of the Dance"! I really love watching ballets, and the power men bring to it is amazing. I would really enjoy seeing this, apparently, fantastic dancer in action.
3. The "Kings of the Dance" honors and celebrates the male role in dance.
Elizabeth P. said
at 5:45 pm on Feb 18, 2010
1. I think that he is a good role model because he is expressing himself and standing up for male dance. Some men are embarrassed to say that they dance, but he is surly not!
2. I would love to see this production because i think that it is very cool to watch men dance because they dance so differently than women because they are much stronger.
3. This production celebrates male dancing, and how wonderful it is!
Taylor T said
at 4:34 pm on Feb 19, 2010
1. I think Mr. Gomes is a great role model to look up to because he is an inspiration for all people around him. People who want to be dancers, people who feel like giving up, or people wanting to accomplish something in life. It sounds like Mr. Gomes puts in a lot of time and effort to make himself a better dancer. This will let others know how much dedication it takes to get to the top and to remember that anyone can be successful if they try hard enough.
2. I would go see the "Kings of Dance" because after reading the article, it would be cool if I could see him perform live. It would love every minute of it, seeing how talented Mr. Gomes and all of the other dancers are.
3. The "King of Dance" celebrates and commemorates male dancing.
Britney S. said
at 3:55 pm on Feb 21, 2010
1. Yes, I think Mr. Gomes would be a wonderful role model. He seems to be very wise in his dancing career. Expressing that it is an extremely difficult to be successful and that once he knows he starts weakening and loosing his magic he will retire and let another dancer blossom. Also he seems very nice, realizing that there are many fabulous dancers in the world. He has encountered many ups and downs in his life and I believe his efforts have payed off.
2. Personally, I would not like to see "King of the Dance" because I find ballet boring. I know many other people think differently but it's just how I see it. I like watching fast, fun, and upbeat dances because I think it's fascinating how they can create such smooth dances with such fast music.
3. “King of the Dance” celebrates the talent of many different male dancers. Also how they are all unique and very talented.
Hannah B said
at 3:48 pm on Feb 22, 2010
1. I definitely think that Mr. Gomes is an an excellent role model. Being a dancer is a very difficult career, as it requires a lot of hard work and perserverance to make it to the top. Obviously, Mr Gomes inspires others, especially male dancers. Even those who do not dance can look up to him for such dedication and the reward of sucess.
2. I would like to see "King of the Dance." According to the article Mr. Gomes "moves slowly, as jolts of energy pulsate through his body like tremors.” I would be especially interested to watch it because I think ballet is really beautiful to watch and to experience him dance.
3. "King of the Dance" celebrates the artistry and powerful movements of male dancing.
Emma N said
at 4:33 pm on Feb 22, 2010
1. Yes, I do. He was able to come back from an injury, unlike like many athletes who may just give up after being hurt. Also, the way he takes in all of the aspects of a show (instead of just living in his own role) is very admirable.
2. Yes, I would. It would be an amazing experience to see some of the best of the best putting on an incredible ballet.
3. It celebrates the art of male dance.
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