Dance Sequence Analysis

MDSC 329 | Global Musicals

Writing Assignment 1: Dance Sequence Analysis

For this assignment, you will write a 2-3 page analysis of a musical number.

The purpose of this essay is to practice closely reading a scene, to get more comfortable using critical film and movement terminology, and to apply this analysis to supporting a broader point.

Please select one musical number (it must include singing and dancing) from either Amar, Akbar, Anthony or Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. As a refresher, here is a list of the dance numbers (time codes are approximate):

Amar Akbar Anthony:

• “Amar, Akbar, Athony” (2:42:19—2:47:54)
• “Humko Tumse Ho Gaya” (1:33:10—1:40:13)
• “Tayyab Ali Pyar Ka Dushman” (1:42:04—1:46:39)
• “Pardah Hai Pardah” (34:06—42:29)
• “Shirdi Wale Sai Baba” (2:02:35—2:08:10)
• “My Name is Anthony Gonsalves” (1:22:51—1:29:33)

Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham

• “You are My Soniya” (2:21: 29—2:27:03)
• “Suraj Hua Maddham” (1:03:00—1:09:48)
• “Say ‘Shava Shava’” (43:17—50:10)
• “Yeh Ladka Hai Allah” (1:15:20—1:20:30)
• “Deewana Hai Dekho” (1:56:59—2:02:09)

Requirements:

• 2-3 pages, typed, double spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman or equivalent font
• Make a clear argument/thesis. For this assignment, your argument will answer the question: What function does this musical number serve in the film? What elements (choreography, cinematography, editing, mise-en-scene, music) support your argument?
• Thorough analysis of the scene in order to support your main point
• Accurate, appropriate use of film and movement terminology
• Final version should be carefully proofread
• All material that is taken from readings or other sources must be appropriately cited

Things to remember while you write:

• Think back to the rich vocabulary you developed in your other MDSC and film courses and in this course.
  • Film: https://filmglossary.ccnmtl.columbia.edu/term/(Links to an external site.)
  • Movement: https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/dance/do-you-wanna-dance/(Links to an external site.)
• I recommend reflecting on the readings we have encountered so far (particularly in our Bollywood units), and using information that will help you support your main point.
• You are not required to consult outside sources, but you may if you feel that such information will help you better support your main point
• You may reflect on conversations that we had in class on these dance routines, but remember that you can always go deeper and think differently about the scenes. Do not submit a paper that simply repeats discussions that we had in class.
• Watch the clip a number of times – the more times you watch it, the more you will notice
• When you are taking notes on your number, you might ask yourself the following questions: Where is this sequence placed in the narrative? Does it help advance the plot? Does it tell us something important about the characters? Is it indicative of broader themes in the film? How will I support my argument? What parts of the cinematography, editing, sound, and movement are relevant to advancing the point I’m trying to make?
• You are not required to analyze every second of the number. Instead, think about the argument you are trying to make, and select specific moments from the number that best support it.