Ochres Essay

The artistic director of the Bangarra Dance Theatre, Stephen Page noted of the spiritual aboriginal dance of ochres, the following, “As substance ochre has intrigued us. Its significance and the myriad of purposes, both spiritual and physical has been the driving force behind this collaboration. The portrayal of each colour is by no means a literal interpretation, but the awareness of its spiritual significance has challenged our contemporary expressions.” This quote tells us that the traditional use of ochre within aboriginal culture is important and significant and the portrayal of each colour within the dance is not a literal interpretation but rather the portrayal of each colour does not uphold exact meaning but shows us contemporary interpretations.
The work of ‘ochres’ was created by Stephen page, the artistic director of Bangarra dance theatre. The piece represents the cultural and spiritual significance linked to ochre within the aboriginal people. Stephen page incorporated aboriginal dance into the contemporary style to create a fusion which appeals to all to help modern society understand the importance of certain cultural beliefs to the aboriginal population. The use of aboriginal movements is often shown through the use of grounded movements, animal mimicry and angular body shapes whilst the contemporary style is shown through lifts, the flow of movements and also technique. With the combination and fusion of both of these styles Stephen Page and Bernadette Walong working with the Bangarra Dance theatre, an indigenous Australian company, is able to create a captivating work of art.
Ochre is a traditional form of aboriginal paint. It is made through grinding rock to powder and mixing with fluid, traditionally kangaroo blood. Ochre is used in many ways to represent and symbolise various things and throughout the piece entitled ‘ochres’ it in particular represents – creation, death, passion and purity. Throughout the opening of the dance the first section