Finding Contrast Between Colors
Another important element of choreography is differentiating between different qualities of movement. While each of the dancers had time to explore their own color and the qualities that it exudes, I wanted them to also consider their opposing colors and how they may evoke new and unexplored qualities in their own color.
Below are side-by-side sketches of different color relationships. When put side-by-side, it is clear to see their different qualities and how even minimal markings on the page can still represent movement in space.
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Lenard Glenn Malunes: Red and Yellow
As we discussed earlier meetings, I think yellow is a very middle-ground of a color. Yellow is the vast plain, but I think red helps yellow explore that vast plain and more specifically with a curious intention. One could explore, but be hesitant and cautious. Red brings yellow out of its comfort zone and helps them feel other sensations and experiences that yellow would not have experienced alone. Red is bold, sharp, and loud -- it helps yellow attain some of these qualities by making them stronger and increasing their vocabulary/toolbox. Yellow does not become bold, sharp, and loud all of a sudden but however develops its qualities so they can be stronger in it as well. I feel yellow may be hesitant in reacting/responding at first but eventually allows red to and show them a different side to their own personality.
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Bailey Spelman: Yellow and Blue
Together, blue and yellow have a dynamic relationship. In dancing bodies, these contrasting colors would have complementary effects on each other. It could be hard to say whether one would be more dominant than the other. Yellow, in nature, could arguably be the dominant force between the two; its energy, vitality, joy – all these characteristics inevitably attract the witnessing eye. Blue, on the other hand, can prevail in dominance as well through its more mellow demeanor. In a dance, blue could be the “calm amid the storm” – even if the storm is the overflowing energy coming forth from yellow. In essence, the dynamic relationship between blue and yellow not only allows but invites each color to have moments of ascendancy. This shifting of power ultimately gives authentic breath and life to the shared dance.
João Ducci: Blue and Red
Blue and red make purple. And in a similar way to how blue and red don't relate at all, purple feels completely disconnected from the two as well. Purple seems to exist on its own. I guess in some sort of connection to blue and red, and it also seems to exist in very specific circumstances. Blue and red only ever come together in extreme cases, and the result of such encounters is rather extreme. Purple seems to not be just hanging around everywhere like other colors. It's specific and particular, and it creates a sense of distinction. The same distinction blue has from red. Purple on its own doesn't even feel related at all to blue or red. Not to its qualities and associations, nor it's appearance. At least that's how I see it. I don't think everyone would agree with me. It's interesting that when thinking of blue and red together, I first thought of destruction, but in reality, there is no such thing as destruction, only transformation. Blue and red transform each other into purple, an equally attention-grabbing color. Purple is regal and elegant.
Painting by João Ducci.