In the opening section of "Infra," sounds such as train whistles, footsteps, and electronic beeps are used to suggest the location of a city. In this case, the sounds indicate London during the time of the bombings. These sounds are part of the aural setting in "Infra," researched by Wayne McGregor.
Aural Setting in Infra Example
The muffled speech in the soundscape sounds as though it's coming from a distance, possibly underground. This helps to establish the location as underground, which aligns with McGregor's idea of looking down on something, as the Latin word "infra" means below.
The use of violins in the aural setting suggests tension and anxiety through agitated melodies, while the gentle piano establishes a sad mood. Electronic beeps also contribute to an eerie and distressing mood, potentially reflecting the stimulus of the London bombings. This may highlight the suffering of those affected.
Aural Setting in Infra GCSE Dance
The music changes for each section of "Infra," creating a tense atmosphere that complements the dance.
Infra Costume Analysis
In terms of costumes in "Infra," the male dancers wear trousers without many tops, highlighting their masculinity and gender. The tight-fitting clothes and bare legs of the dancers contribute to a sense of uniformity and sculpt the dancers' bodies. The use of dark, monochrome colors in the costumes creates a somber and serious mood that complements the dance.
Overall, "Infra" utilizes a complex aural setting and costume design to enhance the emotional and visual impact of the performance, creating a truly immersive experience.
Click here to watch a video of "Infra" GCSE dance performance