Opposing Forces Dance Analysis

Dance is an art in which one physically conveys their emotions and individual characters. Unfortunately, stereotypes are often associated with different styles of dance, which leads to the division and prejudice in the dancing world. In Opposing Forces, choreographer Amy O’Neal makes a powerful statement on the antithetical cultures and gender stereotypes associated with break dancing and contemporary dance. She conveys her message, most blatantly, in the dance off section and Michael O’Neal Jr’s section. The show opened up with a dance off between crews of men that proved as an opening message and statement towards gender stereotypes. Dance offs are often performed to prove their dominance over another crew or person and I think O’Neal was trying to show how breakdancing is synonymous with
masculinity. The breakdancing section was filled with moves that were powerful, strong, and fast-traits that are often stereotyped to be masculine. For example, during the dance off, one of the dancers quickly dropped to the ground, strongly planted is hands to the ground behind him twisted his core swiftly, and flared his midlimbs in the air rotating powerfully around like a corkscrew. Another dancer glided smoothly onto his back and popped up violently like a firework, gracefully landing on his feet. All the dancers utilized the space all around them in the circle shaped space and their bodies moved in a successional manner. Each of their moves required strong effort and their moves changed from high to low levels instantaneously. The high energy and powerful intro piece became the centerpiece for masculinity. When the dance crews left the stage O’Neal transitioned the dance to a more intimate setting showing how contemporary dance is synonymous with feminism.
Each of the dancers performed a solo showing their strengths and weaknesses in a more vulnerable setting. Michael O’Neal Jr. demonstrated a contemporary dance style displaying more gentle and smooth movements. Michael moved his body in succession and smoothly rippled a wave of energy from the top of his head down to his feet on the ground. He gracefully extended his arms to the ceiling and proceeded to glide across the floor gently. In the world of break dancing these movements are often associated as feminine or “weak.” As the contemporary suited audience admired his style, a recorded interview regarding his insecurities about body image played over, providing a moment of vulnerability that made the audience contemplate the true meaning of feminism. The collocation of the contemporary section and the dance battle emphasized the difference between the strong masculine and gentle feminine qualities. As the show went on the lights transitioned to a more gray color, which were symbolic for the progressing styles mixing
together.