Crystal Pite: 'Solo Echo'

In this blog post, I will analyse an excerpt from Crystal Pite's 2012 work 'Solo Echo', which she created for Nederlands Dans Theater. 

 Immediately, what first struck me about the piece was the staging; dark shadowy lighting with a single dim spotlight illuminating centre stage, along with the absence of props, created a strong focus on the dances. The piece also featured a strip light highlighting a fluttery snow effect, which adds to the already bleak and wintery atmosphere of Pite's work. The dancers featured in the extract are masculine-presenting and are all costumed in the same full-length black pants, socks, and matching black tank tops. This was an interesting costume choice as, to me, coupled with the dim lighting and dark backdrop, the costume is only just perceivable, and an emphasis on the head and arms is created. 

The choreography was mainly performed in duets and consisted of a myriad of fluid partner work showcasing a variety of dynamics and levels. I felt that this use of group work was done to convey a sense of unity and shared experience. There was heavy use of curved or spiralled lines in the dancers, particularly prominent in their port de bras and the use of turns, highlighting Pite's ability to blend classical and contemporary dance elements. The precision and fluidity of these movements nicely complemented the flurry of snow in the background.

( Philippe, 2014)

After watching the trailer initially, I noticed the piece had a strong theme of emotional connection and turmoil either in relationships or within yourself. Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax's recording of the melancholic Chello-infused music invoked a sense of loss and acceptance of the piece. A theme for me was only strengthened by the movement of the dancers throughout the extract; it seemed as if the dancers were almost shadowing each other, falling in and out of unison, almost like an echo, which could relate nicely back to the title.

Bibliography:

Ballet BC, 2021. Solo Echo - Crystal Pite (Virtual Archive, Ballet BC, 2015). [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IId60ukhApw> [Accessed 20 November 2023].

Opera.se. 2021. Solo Echo - Repertoire - Dance - GöteborgsOperan - GB. [online] Available at: <https://www.opera.se/en/dance/repertoire/solo-echo/> [Accessed 20 November 2023].

Philippe, laurent philippe (2014) SOLO ECHO DE CRYSTAL PITE, Divergence Images. Available at: https://www.divergence images.com/laurent-philippe/reportages/solo-echo-de-crystal-pite-LPH1854/solo-echo-de-crystal-pite-ref-LPH1854005.html  (Accessed: 15 January 2024).