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Why did abstract or plotless ballet become more popular after World War II?
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dance criticism
Dance criticism analyzes all forms of dance, including classic pieces such as Swan Lake, to enhance the understanding of the art form.
In the context of dance criticism, the rise of abstract or plotless ballet following World War II was driven by a shift in aesthetic priorities, particularly in the West, where choreographers sought to liberate dance from the constraints of narrative, character, and emotion.1
Key factors contributing to this trend include:
- Artistic Independence: Choreographers such as George Balanchine and Merce Cunningham argued that ballet was a sufficiently rich art form that it did not need to serve as an illustrator for literary or dramatic sources. They believed that ballet should speak for itself and about itself, focusing on formal structure and the development of choreography rather than storytelling.1
- "Art for Artâs Sake": In the post-war West, the aesthetic of art for artâs sake encouraged experimentation with the intrinsic components of danceâsuch as rhythm, style, and spatial patternsârather than relying on external narratives.2
- Reaction Against Ideology: As the Cold War created a divide, Western choreographers sought to demonstrate independence from external influences. While the Eastern bloc often mandated "socialist realism" and narrative ballets to support political ideology, Western artists emphasized individual freedom, exploring the inherent properties of the human body and movement.2