Last look

Definition

Last look refers to a final moment in performance when dancers make a striking or memorable gesture before the end of a piece. This concept emphasizes the importance of leaving a lasting impression on the audience and is often used to encapsulate the essence of the performance. It's a technique that modern dance pioneers used to enhance emotional resonance and create a powerful conclusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Last look serves as a dramatic closure to a performance, often reinforcing the themes presented throughout the piece.
2. It can be utilized to leave the audience with a specific feeling or thought, making it a strategic choice for choreographers.
3. Many influential modern dance pioneers incorporated last looks into their works, recognizing their power to linger in the audience's mind.
4. The technique can involve physical movement, facial expressions, or both, ensuring that it resonates emotionally.
5. Last looks are not only found in modern dance but are also prevalent in other forms of performance art, showing its broad applicability.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of last look enhance the emotional impact of a modern dance performance?
  • Last look enhances emotional impact by providing a final moment for dancers to connect with the audience. This gesture serves to crystallize the themes and feelings expressed throughout the performance. By intentionally crafting this closing moment, choreographers ensure that the audience leaves with a strong emotional memory, reinforcing the overall narrative or concept of the dance.
• Discuss how different choreographers have utilized last look in their works and its significance in modern dance.
  • Different choreographers have creatively used last look to reflect their unique styles and messages. For instance, some might employ an exaggerated pose that embodies the spirit of the entire piece, while others may choose subtlety through a fleeting expression. This diversity showcases how last look is significant in modern dance as it allows artists to communicate complex ideas and emotions, ultimately shaping the audience's experience.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of last look as a technique in modern dance performances compared to traditional forms of dance.
  • Last look is highly effective in modern dance because it aligns with contemporary values of self-expression and emotional depth. Unlike traditional forms that may rely more on structured endings, last look offers flexibility and creativity, allowing for personalized interpretations. This technique encourages performers to break boundaries and connect with audiences on a more visceral level, making it an essential tool for modern choreography that distinguishes it from more classical styles.

Related terms

Curtain Call: A formal appearance by performers after a show, allowing them to acknowledge the audience's applause and appreciation.

Choreographic Intent: The underlying message or emotion that a choreographer aims to convey through movement and expression in a dance piece.

Emotional Climax: The peak moment in a dance performance where emotional intensity reaches its highest point, often leading into the last look.