Research Paper on "Dance Peters the Pop Music"

Research Paper 4 pages (1335 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

The choreography of the video gives the singular dancer the opportunity that is described here above, to dance in a way that is at once improvised, organic, social and natural but also reflective of the mood established by the narrative scene. This is done to masterful effect in the collaboration between Peters, Jackson and Landis, which can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA

In many ways, the hybrid of musical theatre and popular music that Peters helped to create would be a natural leap for the choreographer. A significant portion of his early career as well as his career simultaneous to his work with MTV-ready artists was spent not just working in Broadway and musical theatre but in pursuing theatre content that merged these two worlds. According to Dunning, "Mr. Peters was born in Brooklyn, and performed with modern-dance choreographers and company directors in the 1960's and 70's, among them Talley Beatty, Alvin Ailey, Bernice Johnson and Fred Benjamin. He also created dances for the concert stage before his first major breakthrough in theater in 1979 in the Broadway musical 'Comin' Uptown,' an all-black version of Dickens's 'Christmas Carol,' which starred Gregory Hines. He directed his first Broadway musical, 'Leader of the Pack,' in 1985." (Duning, p. 1)

Each of these works was themed or composed using many of the sonic conventions of modern popular music, placing Peters at the helm of production numbers that leaned heavily on narrative context but which were design for compatibility with pop music forms. In this area of his career, the high point would be a 1982 Tony for his choreography in the Broadway music, "Dream Girls." In light of the fact that this was the same year in which "Thriller" was unleashed on the world, it may not be an exaggeration to suggest that Peters exerted a singular influence on the industry in the 1980s. In fact, it is quite fair to suggest that his choreographic direction is responsible for a great many of the standard practices that now drive a pop music show whether live or in the context of the music video. So contend his former colleagues, according to Chu & Rowes. They report that fellow choreographer Vince Paterson stated of Peters that "He originated a lot of the movements other choreographers now imitate." (Chu & Rowes, p. 1)

This would not only be true at the time in the work of so many music videos, performances and Broadway productions, but it remains particularly so today. Certainly, Peters influence may owe a great debt to Michael Jackson, as great a dancing muse as perhaps available to 20th century choreography. By the same token, it would seem that Jackson was equally fortunate to have worked with Peters, a choreographer who elevated the work of his subject from excellence to iconic stature. Today, popular television programs such as American Idol, Dancing With the Stars and Glee provide stark evidence of the degree to which Peters' style of choreography has permeated popular culture. Likewise, the on-stage presentation of artists such as Lady Gaga, The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Justin Bieber -- which often include enormous ensemble casts and loosely constructed narratives -- carry loud echoes of Peters work.

Sadly, most of the sources culled for this examination of his life's work were drawn from the choreographer's obituary, which denotes that he passed away from AIDS-related complications in 1994. Though he was only 46, he leaves a legacy of work that will likely be seen in popular music and popular culture for many years to come.

Works Cited:

Chu, D. & Rowes, B. (1984). Michael Peters Is the Hot New Choreographer Who Makes Dancers Out of Video's Rock Stars. People.

Dunning, J. (1994). Michael Peters, a Choreographer of 'Dreamgirls,' Is Dead at 46. The New York Times.

Landis, J. (1982). Michael Jackson's "Thriller." YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA

Monfalco, T. (1994) While You're Dancing Like a Zombie, Remember Choreographer Michael Peters. Art Here and… READ MORE

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