Key Facts
Choreography: Christopher Bruce
Music: songs recorded by the Rolling Stones
Costume designs: Marian Bruce
Lighting designs: Tina MacHugh
First performance: 10 October, 1991 by the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève British première: 28 October, 1992 by London Contemporary Dance Theatre First performance by Rambert Dance Company: 8 December 1994
The themes of the work reflect the lyrics and ideas in the music and the social attitudes of the 1960s. The work is also a celebration of the music by the Rolling Stones. Characterisation is shown, linked to the songs and images of that period. The style of the movement vocabulary mainly reflects jazz, disco and contemporary dance techniques. However, use of pedestrian movement, gesture, social and folk dance can also be seen. The work is made up of eight distinct dances, each performed to a different song. This allows for variety in the mood and style. There is often a transition from one dance to the next, establishing a connection. The use of movement motifs, often linked to the lyrics, is evident in the choreography. Bruce rarely uses an elaborate setting for his works but the lighting and costumes enhance the choreographic presentation and intention. Generally the costumes reflect the way young people dressed in the 1960s rather than a literal representation. In the 1980s a feature of Bruce’s works involved choreography linked to cycles of songs. The creation of Rooster in 1991 was a further example of this feature of his style.
Music: songs recorded by the Rolling Stones
Costume designs: Marian Bruce
Lighting designs: Tina MacHugh
First performance: 10 October, 1991 by the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève British première: 28 October, 1992 by London Contemporary Dance Theatre First performance by Rambert Dance Company: 8 December 1994
The themes of the work reflect the lyrics and ideas in the music and the social attitudes of the 1960s. The work is also a celebration of the music by the Rolling Stones. Characterisation is shown, linked to the songs and images of that period. The style of the movement vocabulary mainly reflects jazz, disco and contemporary dance techniques. However, use of pedestrian movement, gesture, social and folk dance can also be seen. The work is made up of eight distinct dances, each performed to a different song. This allows for variety in the mood and style. There is often a transition from one dance to the next, establishing a connection. The use of movement motifs, often linked to the lyrics, is evident in the choreography. Bruce rarely uses an elaborate setting for his works but the lighting and costumes enhance the choreographic presentation and intention. Generally the costumes reflect the way young people dressed in the 1960s rather than a literal representation. In the 1980s a feature of Bruce’s works involved choreography linked to cycles of songs. The creation of Rooster in 1991 was a further example of this feature of his style.
Links for Christopher Bruce and Rooster (useful for interpretation points!!)
Interview with Christopher Bruce on Ghost Dances - https://www.rambert.org.uk/explore/news-and-blog/news/story-i-wanted-tell-christopher-bruce-ghost-dances/
Academic writing on Dance and Political Conflict. Bruce is discussed on Page 20. https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/8645/1/A06_6841_DanceandPoliticalConflict_final.pdf
Key information on Rooster - https://www.rambert.org.uk/whats-on/rooster/
Review of Rooster - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/dance/10846152/Rambert-Dance-Company-Sadlers-Wells-review.html
Rambert Interview with Christopher Bruce - https://vimeo.com/237214906
Scottish Ballet Interview with Christopher Bruce - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp8gl07dhQI
Rooster Rehearsal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uSj4OereW8
Rambert making Rooster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjq-exC5XZo
Christopher Bruce Interview - https://www.scotsman.com/news/interview-christopher-bruce-choreographer-2442893
Christopher Bruce Interview - https://www.scotsman.com/news/interview-christopher-bruce-choreographer-2442893
Academic writing on Dance and Political Conflict. Bruce is discussed on Page 20. https://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/8645/1/A06_6841_DanceandPoliticalConflict_final.pdf
Key information on Rooster - https://www.rambert.org.uk/whats-on/rooster/
Review of Rooster - https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/dance/10846152/Rambert-Dance-Company-Sadlers-Wells-review.html
Rambert Interview with Christopher Bruce - https://vimeo.com/237214906
Scottish Ballet Interview with Christopher Bruce - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp8gl07dhQI
Rooster Rehearsal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uSj4OereW8
Rambert making Rooster - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hjq-exC5XZo
Christopher Bruce Interview - https://www.scotsman.com/news/interview-christopher-bruce-choreographer-2442893
Christopher Bruce Interview - https://www.scotsman.com/news/interview-christopher-bruce-choreographer-2442893
Rooster Resources:
rooster-resource-pack-1.pdf | |
File Size: | 541 kb |
File Type: |
Christopher Bruce (1945 - current)
Christopher Bruce trained at the Ballet Rambert School before joining the company as a dancer in 1963. More info on Christopher Bruce can be found on the Rambert page.
He served as Associate Director before becoming Associate Choreographer. In 1994 he became Artistic Director and 'relaunched' the company.
Bruce's stylistic features include:
•Pedestrian movements
•Folk dances
•Contrast – e.g. stillness and intricate footwork
•Ballet and Graham technique combined (Extended lines of ballet, with off balance tilts)
•Dramatic, emotional pieces with clear themes
•His choreographies usually made statements about cultural, social and historical events
Notable Works:
Ghost Dances (1981)
He served as Associate Director before becoming Associate Choreographer. In 1994 he became Artistic Director and 'relaunched' the company.
Bruce's stylistic features include:
•Pedestrian movements
•Folk dances
•Contrast – e.g. stillness and intricate footwork
•Ballet and Graham technique combined (Extended lines of ballet, with off balance tilts)
•Dramatic, emotional pieces with clear themes
•His choreographies usually made statements about cultural, social and historical events
Notable Works:
Ghost Dances (1981)