Theme for a solo (not overused)

by Rach
(Australia)

Hi! I have to perform a solo to a panel of examiners in the contemporary genre that DOES NOT explore overused themes such as love, relationships etc... So I was wondering if you could help me with some ideas!! I am 17 years old and not new to the contemporary genre so anything mature that I can explore will be great!! Thank you heaps!

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Jul 18, 2011

Answer from Maria
by: Maria

Dear Rach,

A good way to find an interesting theme for a dance is to think about your own perception and insight about life, because it is important that you like and care about the subject.

One common area to search into is the one of the things we would like to transform. This can be in your local context or in the world. For example, social or cultural situations are a huge source.

Watch around your society and think if there is something that you would like to be fixed or improved. For example, how does the social situation of the aboriginal people or ethnic minorities evolve? Are people in your city having a good life or is there something from modern habits that affects them? Do you feel your society has a correct attitude towards nature, the environment or animals (ecological issues are a lot…)?

You can also work over something that is not like lets say 'a problem', but a special thing you would like to highlight. For example an ancient beautiful ritual from your neighbors, the Maoris (you live in Australia, right?), the ending of the age of oil, the advantages of communication technologies...

Here's another option: dance repertoires and dramatic literature (or literature of any kind). You could choose a choreographic piece, drama, or dramatic character that you like (for whatever reason), and create a new contemporary dance version. This is common and appreciated among choreographers.

For example, you know there are several versions of The Rite of Spring (originally by Nijinsky) or of classical dramatic characters like Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Oedipus or Ulysses. Literature is huge... And you don't need to create a whole new piece, but just a short version that suits the needs of your solo.

Actually, subjects are unlimited, you know. So that's why I recommend you to start from your self and insight. This will make the possibilities narrower and facilitate the task.

I hope this gives you a hand to start.

Kindly,

Maria

Jul 20, 2011

Very helpful
by: Anonymous

Thankyou so much tht was very helpful! I understand another way of looking at choosing themes thnkx! xx

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