Patrice Andrews
Dancer - Creative Academy
I will be writing about the piece Addiction performed by Kayla Radomski and Kupono Aweau on So You Think You Can Dance. This was in 2009 in America’s 5th season of the program and performed at the Kodak Theatre. Addiction is a contemporary piece and was choreographed by Mia Michaels who said “I think everybody at one point will have or has had an experience with wanting something that’s not good for you” Michaels (2009) which I strongly believe. Addiction is a very touchy subject within my family as a few members suffer with alcoholism and that’s why this piece really inspired me. I love every way Mia adapted it and think it was the perfect choreography to show how much addiction makes you suffer.
Kupono is the addiction and throughout the piece, however much Kayla tried to get away, he would always be there drawing her back. His expressions were cruel and eerie when he’d show a smirk; knowing he had all the power. Kayla would show fearful and panicky emotions like she was screaming and crying to get away but also slowly giving up. The facial expressions in this piece are vital to get the message across because some of the movement could be portrayed completely different to the audience if the performer was showing happier emotions. Kupono explains on the show that one of his family members and one of his best friends had suffered from a drug addiction that nearly destroyed their lives. This made his emotion of the piece come out even more and proved quite difficult to rehearse when he had to play the part of the addiction.
Find an example of a piece of commercial dance choreography that has particularly inspired or influenced you, and why?
The lighting in the performance is really dark, except for the spotlight on them, which makes the dance more dramatic. Her costume is a red dress that has been torn all the way down as if it has been ripped open reflecting the struggle she faces. The music used is Gravity by Sara Bareillles, which is a beautiful song and has different climaxes that work with the routine. In my personal opinion the routine would still work in silence because it is that commanding and dominant.
One of my favorite parts of the piece was the most simple but moving. Kayla’s and Kupono were standing besides one another and facing each other when Kupono grabs her forearm holding it up tightly. Although this is static, the way Kayla shows with her face how much it’s hurting her, captures the whole story in seconds. Ninety percent of the movement in this routine is really sharp and powerful with strong steps so it’s clear for the audience to see. The other ten percent is very slow and flowing which unfortunately shows when her addiction gets the better of her. Kupono forces Kayla and she does everything he makes her when he’s literally grabbing and throwing her. He also does moves behind her back and she mimics them in front- this shows how an addiction controls you and you can’t even see it. Nearer the end of the routine Kayla’s movements become fragmented which shows her giving up and letting the addiction take over.
Fortunately Kayla walks away from Kupono at the end of the routine hopefully showing she has managed to beat her addiction. I believe you can destroy your habits if you truly work at it and get help. Personally this piece is very touching and I hope the point is easily understood, making it have the same effect it has on me for others.
Bibliography
Hannah. (2010). Addiction - choreographed by Mia Michaels. Performed by Kayla and Kupono off So You Think You Can Dance. Available: http://www.contemporary-dance.org/addiction-choreographed-by-mia-michaels-performed-by-kayla-and-kupono-off-so-you-think-you-can-dance.html. Last accessed 29th Oct 2014.
YouTube. (2014). Addiction-Kayla and Kupono. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_037Ti8hwPE. Last accessed 29th Oct 2014.