Choreography Inspired by Coltrane
By Gia Kourlas
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/arts/dance/21lubovitch.html?8ur&emc=ur
Current Event by: Noor Qasim
Summary:
Lar Lubovitch has recently choreographed a new piece inspired by the rythms and emotions of jazz music and dance. The man who used to sneak into Jazz clubs when he was younger describes jazz dance as sort of a lost language, and “It’s not the way people feel right now physically in the dance world." He is looking to revive that spirit, using an especially inspirational live jazz performance of "My Favorite Things," and using a Jackson Pollock backdrop. Although Mr. Lubovitch has not studied Jazz dance, that is where he feels alive and at home, and strives to create a beautiful and moving piece.
Relation to class:
The 1920s (which we are currently studying) were the age of jazz. That era helped fully form the jazz music and dance world we know today, enabling future choreographers to be as inspired by this revolutionary art form.
Questions:
1. Would you have enjoyed sneaking into a jazz club? Why or why not? Do you enjoy jazz music/dance?
2. What type of music or dance inspires you? What type of music “assaults your solar plexus and causes a response in the rest of your body?”
3. How does music nowadays express the feelings of society?
Answers:
1. I think I would really enjoy sneaking into a jazz club. Although other people may think this idea would be silly and unenjoyable, I've always liked jazz music, and I think I would really enjoy that sort of experience.
2. I really love ballet, and jazz is always fun too. I love all sorts of music, and I think music in general really effects me. It can make me feel happy or sad, make me feel energy or drain me of it. I think the effect of music is really powerful and different kinds tend to affect people in different ways.
3. Rap and Hip-Hop, rather than Jazz, tends to be the more popular songs we hear on the radio. I think it represents how societies youth is really going out there and getting heard. We are in a time for action, and that may shine through the music we often hear on the radio.
Comments (6)
Hannah B said
at 4:05 pm on Feb 26, 2010
1. I would probably not like sneaking into a jazz club because I personally do not like that type of music. However, I think that finding something that you love, like how Lar Lubovitch enjoys jazz music, is important. He seemed to satisfy his appreciation for it through sneaking into jazz clubs, just as others do the same for their own interests.
2. The type of music I listen to really depends on my mood. Calm music helps me to relax, while more upbeat music inspires me and lifts my spirits. I tend to listen to music that mirrors the way I am feeling or to influence my mood.
3. Music nowadays expresses the same feelings of society over the years, just in a different style of music. It is about being relevant, original, and connecting to listeners in some way. Jazz got people dancing and enjoying themselves, just like pop and hip-hop do today.
Britney S. said
at 1:31 pm on Feb 27, 2010
1. Personally, I do not like Jazz so no I wouldn't like sneaking into Jazz clubs. On the other hand, if it were back in the 1920's, yes I think i would enjoy listening to jazz music. Event though I don't like Jazz music I do actually, like jazz dance.
2. I would say Hip-hop inspires me the most, but I don't really have a favorite type. I go with whatever song 'connects' to me and I like. Also my mood helps me choose what music I listen too. If I am going to my soccer game, my carpool and I listen to up-beat music, while if I am relaxed and about to go to sleep I listen to slow, peaceful music.
3. There are many types of music; rock, jazz, hip-hop, rap, and many others, but the most played is hip-hop and rap. I believe the music someone chooses to listen to is simply influencing how we think and the way we act.
Maddie B said
at 2:39 pm on Feb 27, 2010
1. I do not really enjoy jazz so I would not enjoy sneaking into jazz clubs. Though, Lar Lubovitch showed that he is very passionate about jazz by sneaking into the jazz clubs.
2. Energetic songs inspire me because they give me the energy to go out and have fun. For example, if I didn't have the best day I listen to an up-beat song. This will cheer me up and help me forget about the bad day.
3. Many teens are now interested in hip-hop or rap. There are many radio stations that play that kind of music. I enjoy listening to hip-hop on the radio.
Gwenny S said
at 5:24 pm on Feb 28, 2010
1. I don't really listen to jazz music, so I'm not sure that I would enjoy sneaking into a jazz club. I enjoy modern day jazz dance more than the music.
2. Hip-hop and jazz dance really inspired me. I also like upbeat and fun music. It makes me feel happy and energized.
3. Today teens listen to more hip-hop and rap then any other kind of music. Music now is influencing teens a lot.
Tierney B said
at 7:47 pm on Feb 28, 2010
I don't usually listen to jazz music, but i think it would be fun to sneak into a jazz club. It would be live music, so i think it would be exciting.
Many different songs inspire me, depending on my mood and where i am, it changes very frequently. If Im sad, i listen to a fast, happy song to brighten my spirits, if i am tired and want to go to sleep, I listen to a soft song that is not loud.
there are so many different types of music in our society now, but the most popular would be hip hop and rap songs. Teens like to have fun and enjoy themselves, and rap and hip hop are good music to have fun listening and dancing to.
Molly K. said
at 9:04 pm on Feb 28, 2010
1) I think it would be fun to sneak into a jazz club. I'm not so sure that I would but if I did I think I would have fun. I like to dance and even though jazz is not my favorite type of music I would still enjoy dancing along.
2) I am inspired by almost any type of song. I will dance and listen to anything. Normally, fun and current music lights a fire but many other songs do to. I will dance to any music or no music as long as I am having fun.
3) I think that music reflects society pretty well these days. Popular music is rap and hip-hop; music today is sort of fast passed and rough around the edges just like american society today. Life used to be more easy going and soft just like jazz but the pace has picked up.
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