Infra

Question 1

Who choreographed Infra?

Answer 1

Wayne McGregor

Question 2

What is the dance style of Wayne McGregor’s choreography?

Answer 2

Contemporary ballet

Question 3

What is distinctive about McGregor’s dance style?

Answer 3

Speed and energy with dynamic, angular, sinuous, and hyperextended movements

Question 4

What are the three methods McGregor uses to generate movement vocabulary?

Answer 4

• SHOW a phrase to dancers
• MAKE a phrase on target dancers
• TASK to set a choreographic problem

Question 5

What does the title ‘Infra’ mean in Latin?

Answer 5

‘Below’

Question 6

What is the main theme of the ballet Infra?

Answer 6

A portrait of life beneath the surface of the city

Question 7

How many dancers perform in Infra?

Answer 7

12 dancers (6 male / 6 female)

Question 8

What is the duration of Infra?

Answer 8

28 minutes

Question 9

Who composed the music for Infra?

Answer 9

Max Richter

Question 10

What type of design does Julian Opie provide for the set of Infra?

Answer 10

An 18m LED screen with electronic walking figures

Question 11

What is the lighting design for Infra known for?

Answer 11

Focusing downstage and using shafts of light

Question 12

What type of setting does Infra use for its performance environment?

Answer 12

Proscenium arch/theatrical setting

Question 13

What type of clothing do dancers wear in Infra?

Answer 13

• Fitted shorts
• Vests
• T-shirts in flesh, black, white, grey
• One female dancer wears a short wrap-around skirt
• One male dancer wears long trousers

Question 14

True or False: Infra has a crowd that crosses the stage.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

What is one of McGregor’s choreographic aims in Infra?

Answer 15

Help the audience’s eye in watching a complex structure

Question 16

What year was The Royal Ballet’s name granted by Royal Charter?

Answer 16

1956

Question 17

Who was the founder of The Royal Ballet?

Answer 17

Dame Ninette de Valois

Question 18

Fill in the blank: The Royal Ballet is based at the _______.

Answer 18

Royal Opera House

Question 19

What does the choreography in Infra imply about human relationships?

Answer 19

It infers particular types of relationships and emotional content

Question 20

What type of music elements are mixed in the score for Infra?

Answer 20

• Melancholy string melodies
• Electronic sounds
• Everyday sounds

Question 21

What is the initial stimulus for the choreography of Infra?

Answer 21

The idea of ‘Vide Infra’, exploring what lies below the surface of a city and individuals

The context of the 2007 London bombings influenced the themes of empathy and humanity.

Question 22

What resources does the choreographer primarily use for research?

Answer 22

The internet for foraging information and images

This helps build an imagination for the work, preparing the choreographer for studio sessions.

Question 23

What is the subject matter of Infra?

Answer 23

Exploration of emotional territories and internal lives of individuals

Focuses on revealing aspects of human subject matter and emotional content.

Question 24

How does the choreographer develop ideas in the studio?

Answer 24

By working with dancers’ self-expression and collaborative movement generation

This includes teaching material, improvisational tasks, and exploring movements together.

Question 25

What key qualities does the choreographer look for in dancers?

Answer 25

Curiosity and willingness to experiment ## Footnote A mix of experienced and younger dancers is preferred to foster collaboration.

Question 26

What type of movement language is emphasized in **Infra**?

Answer 26

A prosaic, pedestrian language derived from normal actions like walking and running ## Footnote This contrasts with traditional ballet to create an interesting tension.

Question 27

What is the structure of **Infra** based on?

Answer 27

A series of vignettes that accumulate in rhythm and complexity ## Footnote This structure helps the audience understand relationships and motifs over time.

Question 28

What influenced the decisions about lighting, set, and costume design in **Infra**?

Answer 28

Collaboration with visual artist Julian Opie and composer Max Richter ## Footnote The design aims to reflect a pedestrian street scene and evoke emotional memories.

Question 29

How does the choreographer describe their relationship with lighting designer Lucy Carter?

Answer 29

A long-term collaboration based on instinctive design ## Footnote Carter has lit all of the choreographer's ballets over 24 years.

Question 30

What is the significance of using pedestrian movement in **Infra**?

Answer 30

It creates a relatable and poetic contrast to intimate moments ## Footnote This amplifies the emotional experience for the audience.

Question 31

Fill in the blank: The idea for **Infra** came from the Latin phrase ‘_______’, meaning ‘See Below’.

Answer 31

Vide Infra ## Footnote This concept influenced the exploration of deeper emotional themes.

Question 32

Who is mentioned as a **designer** that works well with dancers' bodies?

Answer 32

Moritz Junge ## Footnote He is noted for his ability to create costumes that enhance the performance of dancers.

Question 33

What is the role of a **choreographer** in relation to dancers' costumes?

Answer 33

To release the best performance from a dancer ## Footnote The clothing worn by dancers significantly affects their comfort and performance.

Question 34

What does the **style** of the work 'Infra' combine?

Answer 34

* Classical language * Pushed language ## Footnote This combination explores the potential of trained ballet dancers and their physical capabilities.

Question 35

What has improved the performance of ballet dancers today compared to 50 years ago?

Answer 35

* Better nutrition * Improved understanding of biomechanics * Sports science knowledge ## Footnote These factors contribute to enhanced physical abilities and creative capacities in ballet.

Question 36

What does the choreographer aim to explore in ballet movements?

Answer 36

* Degrees of freedom * Complex co-ordinations ## Footnote The goal is to push the boundaries of traditional ballet movements and explore new expressions.

Question 37

What is the purpose of art according to the choreographer?

Answer 37

* To provoke debate * To stimulate imagination * To promote thinking ## Footnote Art should engage the audience beyond mere enjoyment.

Question 38

What should the audience focus on when watching 'Infra'?

Answer 38

What do you see? ## Footnote The audience is encouraged to observe and construct meaning from their experiences rather than seeking a predetermined interpretation.

Question 39

True or false: The choreographer believes that enjoyment is the only purpose of art.

Answer 39

FALSE ## Footnote Enjoyment is part of the experience, but the choreographer emphasizes deeper engagement and reflection.

Question 40

What does the choreographer want the audience to leave with after watching the performance?

Answer 40

* Images in their head * A sense of movement in their body ## Footnote The aim is for the audience to carry the experience with them beyond the performance.