Here’s your behind-the-scenes look at the opening of Blackout!
The solo dancer represents the dominant caste who holds power over money, land, & decisions. The other dancers are members of the subordinate caste. In this section, you’ll see the subordinate caste dancers performing & enjoying themselves. When the dominant dancer enters, they all bow & avoid eye contact as a sign of respect. They exit and our solo dancer surveys all that she has. When she sees someone slacking on the job, she makes sure that they know their place.
And then the music shifts to this light airy quality and the dancers waltz together. I call this the dream ballet sequence (much like those in West Side Story or Oklahoma). The section shows us how the dominant dancer sees her relationship with the others – very peaceful, friendly, happy, & wonderful.
We, of course, know that the subordinate caste sees that relationship very differently. It’s not peaceful or happy at all. It’s one filled with terror & turmoil. The ending of this piece sets the stage for what’s to come.
Click below to watch the full piece!