CRY
THE WORK
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CRY
In this tutorial you will investigate aspects of the
work Cry including reviews and the role of the
dance critic.
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ABOUT THE WORK
CRY
Alvin Ailey choreographed the work in eight days, working with
dancer Judith Jamison.
Cry premiered in 1971.
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ABOUT THE WORK
CRY
Judith Jamison describes her
experience working with Ailey on this
work in her Autobiography: Dancing
Spirit (1993: Double Bay) edited by
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
Information about Judith Jamison can be
found on the
Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre site.
Read Judith Jamison’s Biography here.
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THE ROLE OF REVIEWS
CRY
The role of the critic in dance can be an
influencing factor to the success of a
choreographer and their work/s. Reviews
can also provide us with information about
dance works - such as when they
premiered and an audience’s reaction to the
work.
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It is important to remember that whilst
reviews can contain vital information about
artists and their works, they are also
subjective.
STRUCTURING REVIEWS
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Activity
The structure of a review is unique. Click the
image to the left to begin an internet search to
locate reviews of Australian dance works.
Summarise the main features and the structure
of the reviews that you read.
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The University of NSW provides some useful
information about writing critical reviews. Read
the information provided and compare to the
summary you made for the online reviews that
you located.
WRITING REVIEWS
CRY
Activity
Click the image to the left to read a review
of Alvin Ailey’s Cry published by the New
York Times. Write a review of Cry from a
contemporary perspective. Consider the
role of the critic in dance and placing the
criticism in context. Consideration should
also be given to the general values of
contemporary society and the universal
themes explored in the work.
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