CRY

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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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CRY
ABOUT THE WORK
Alvin Ailey choreographed the work in eight days,
working with dancer Judith Jamison. Cry
premiered in 1971.
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CRY
ABOUT THE WORK
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
Jamisons Biography here.
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CRY
THE ROLE OF REVIEWS
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 audiences
reaction to the work. It is important to
remember that whilst reviews can contain vital
information about artists and their works, they
are also subjective.
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CRY
STRUCTURING REVIEWS
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. 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.
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CRY
WRITING REVIEWS
Activity Click the image to the left to read a
review of Alvin Aileys 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.