The dances in West Side Story are highly energetic. They blend different styles like ballet and jazz. For example, the finger snaps add a sense of rhythm and attitude.
The Symphonic Dances from West Side Story are known for their vivid musical storytelling. They blend different musical styles. The rhythms are energetic and often syncopated, which gives a sense of the urban and edgy setting of the story. The melodies are catchy and range from the tender love themes to the more aggressive, conflict - driven ones. Also, the orchestration is rich, using a wide variety of instruments to create a full and immersive musical experience.
They introduced new movement vocabularies. For example, the way they combined ballet grace with street - like movements inspired modern choreographers.
One characteristic is the vivid portrayal of the story's emotions. The music can be very intense and passionate, reflecting the love and conflict in West Side Story. For example, the use of different musical motifs for the two rival gangs makes it easy for the audience to distinguish between them.
The symphonic dances in 'West Side Story' are also remarkable. They are choreographed in a way that not only follows the rhythm of the music but also helps to tell the story. The movements are often energetic and full of emotion, which, when combined with the music, gives a very immersive experience.
It influenced the way musicals were scored. It showed that a musical could have a very complex and sophisticated musical score that was not just for entertainment but also had high artistic value.
The Jets in 'West Side Story' are a street gang. They are characterized by their tough and territorial nature. They often engage in rivalries, especially with the Sharks. Their dance moves and overall style in the musical are quite distinct, representing a sense of youthful energy and angst.
The gangs in 'West Side Story' are complex. The Jets and the Sharks are the main ones. They represent different ethnic groups, the Jets being white and the Sharks Puerto Rican. Their rivalry is not just about territory but also about cultural differences and the struggle for acceptance in a changing neighborhood. Their conflicts drive much of the plot and also serve as a commentary on the social tensions of the time.