The piece was choreographed by Tyce Diorio and preformed by Ade Obayomi and Melissa Sandvig with music by Maxwell's cover of Kate Bush's "This Woman's Work". The choreographer said he was inspired by his friend Michelle's battle this year with breast cancer.
The music is a beautiful accompaniment. Starting with what sounds like crying, the dancers mimic the emotion of sorrow at the diagnosis. The lyrics to the portion of the song played:
Pray to God you can cope
I stand outside
This woman's work
This woman's world
Oooh, it's hard on the man
Now his part is over
Now starts the craft of the father
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left
I should be crying but I just can't let it show
I should be hoping but I can't stop thinking
All the things I should've said that I never said
All the things we should of done that we never did
All the things I should've given but I didn't
Oh darling make it go
Make it go away
There are beautiful moments symbolizing the friendship and strength of those who come along side someone with cancer. The dancer with cancer falls in exhaustion, her partner catches her; she dives out in trust and he catches her; she pounds on his chest in anger, and you watch him struggle privately. Ultimately she rises as he lifts her in resolution onto his shoulders.
Dance is yet another creative way to express emotions and narrative. The clip below is from the episode with some introduction, then the 1:20 min dance, followed by the tearful responses of the judges. Hope you enjoy! Subscribers, if you have trouble viewing the video please go to the original Pallimed post to view.
Hi. For those interested, the song is called "This Woman's Work" and is by Kate Bush, although I am not sure who is performing it here. It is a beautiful song!
ReplyDeleteIt's sung by Maxwell. I was blown away when I watched the show and was similarly moved to blog about it.
ReplyDelete