Threefold Analysis

Between the 1st and the 5th of August 2013, STEPS Youth Dance Company presented the work ‘Threefold.’ ‘Threefold’ is a series of three short works that cover issues and topics that are relevant to the companies target audiences, being the youth of today’s society. 40 dancers of the two senior companies, the Green Company and the Militia Company, work in collaboration with choreographers to develop the work. ‘Threefold’ was viewed on the 1st of August 2013 at 7:30pm. The production was performed at the State Theatre Centre of Western Australia, in the Studio Underground. STEPS Youth Dance Company is a not-for-profit organization, funded by the government. It was founded in 1988 by the Education Department. The company puts on productions, such
These short works were entitled ‘Couched’, ‘Cor Lacuna’ and ‘Scratch the Surface’. Kynan Hughes choreographed ‘Couched’ in collaboration with the dancers of the piece. It explores the different ways that we spend our teenage years, including sleepovers, first kisses, video games and many other scenarios that all revolved around the centre prop: the couch. ‘Cor Lacuna’ was choreographed by Shara Erksine in collaboration with the dancers. This work explores themes of love and relationships, which can be interpreted as highlighting to their audiences the loss and gain of various relationships you experience throughout your teenage years. ‘Scratch the Surface’ was choreographed by Alice Lee Holland, James O’Hara and with the assistance of Isabella Stone, also in collaboration with the dancers. This work has a more complex intent, beginning with an improvised dance class and progressing into the inclusion of voiceovers of people verbally announcing their thoughts, beliefs, hopes and passions. This can be interpreted as giving insight into the minds of a youth society. The way that all the works are choreographed in collaboration with the dancers foregrounds how the works are relevant and relatable to a youth audience, as youth dancers are creating the
While this was occurring the rest of the dancers would be in a group on the stage, staring at the other dancer, whilst keeping constant contact with one another and the floor. This symbolized the solo dancers lack of inhibitions, and just being able to do what she loves, giving meaning to the work by portraying the intent, by expressing a sense of passion. Throughout ‘Cor Lacuna’ many of the movements being executed consisted of a constant flow and movement of arms, giving of a swaying impression. These constantly moving movements created a serine and romantic atmosphere, and along with the lighting and heart props, gave meaning to the work by presenting a romantic relationship. Throwing and tossing movements were used in contrast to this to convey the ups and downs of relationships, and how throughout the years you may lose some relationships, but you will also gain