Wk 5: Defending the Arts. Visual & Performing Arts Essay

Week Five – Defending the Arts
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December 25, 2019
Understanding artistic elements are important for a deeper appreciation of how art connects with our everyday lives. On the one hand, each theme, element, and movement reflects a particular idea or emotion that the artist had in mind. On the other hand, each of these elements also forms a coherent whole that leaves an emotional impact on its viewers. In line with this, this article would focus on an in-depth analysis of the performance entitled Dream Girls. Dream Girls is one of the most well-known performances in the world as it has been performed and adapted in different platforms such as Hollywood and Broadway. Nevertheless, I believe that by looking at the relationship between each element in the performance and understanding how each piece goes together, a greater understanding of its emotional impact could be gleaned.
Artistic Analysis
While watching the performance of the Dream Girls, some of the things that pique the viewers’ attention are the theme, rhythm, and movements throughout the entire performance.
First, the performance’s theme is characterized by vivid and lively colors. Whether it be the set, the costumes, or the props used in the performance, each of these elements were carefully chosen in such a way that they appear lively and appealing in the eyes of the viewers. The lighting was also bright and focused on the main characters in order to emphasize their dazzling costumes and specify even the minute movements.
Second, the rhythm of the songs is lively, fast, and upbeat. Since most of the music in the performance is Rhythm and Blues, elements of different styles including jazz, blues, and swing are audible in the styles that each character utilizes. For example, the fast and upbeat rhythm of the song entitled Move presents both jazz and swing. The songs are also dominated by jazz instruments such as saxophones, drums, and piano, among others.
Lastly, the movement of each character syncs and jives together with each other and with the music itself. Throughout the whole movie, what makes the choreography even more appealing is the simple and minimal dance steps that complement rather than overpower the voices of the characters.
In addition to this, it is also noticeable that the performers improvised during the performance. Whether it be the s...