Solo description: My solo is a sassy jazz dance to "luck be a lady" and I have really drawn inspiration from "guys and dolls".  I have loved it ever since going to see it on a ESPA college trip. We saw it at the bridge theatre and had standing tickets, it was such an immersive experience. We where also lucky enough to have a workshop with some of the cast from "guys and dolls". With choreographing this solo I really wanted to bring the vibe of the character Sky Masterson who is a gambler in guys and dolls and he sings "luck be a lady". For me it is really important to create a story in my head for each dance I create to really be able to perform to the best of my ability. Sky Masterson is a cool character he is confident, and charming. He exudes an air of sophistication and self-assuredness he is a high-stakes gambler who thrives on risk and chance. He is Handsome, with a magnetic presence that draws people in and most importantly His luck seems boundless, allowing him to win even the riskiest bets. In “Guys and Dolls,” Sky’s journey involves unexpected love, personal growth, and a transformation that challenges his worldview. His interactions with the other characters, especially Sarah Brown, add depth to the story. Overall, Sky Masterson is a captivating blend of charisma, risk-taking, and hidden vulnerability. I am going to attempt to have all of these quality's in my dance and I feel with lots of practice I might get lucky.

"Luck Be a Lady" is a song from the 1950 musical "Guys and Dolls," composed and written by Frank Loesser. The song is performed by the character Sky Masterson, a suave and charismatic gambler. Understanding the meaning behind "Luck Be a Lady" involves delving into its lyrical content, the context within the musical, and the character's motivations.

Research into the song: In the story, Sky Masterson makes a high-stakes bet with Nathan Detroit, the organizer of an illegal floating crap game. The bet involves convincing a devout Salvation Army worker, Sarah Brown, to accompany Sky on a trip to Havana. Sky's interest in Sarah, initially part of the wager, grows into genuine affection however and he faces a dilemma. He must win a crucial craps game to save Nathan's game and, indirectly, to win Sarah's favour and respect. In "Luck Be a Lady," Sky addresses Lady Luck directly, personifying her as a woman whose favor he desperately needs to win the craps game. The lyrics blend gambling terminology with the language of romance and fidelity: "Luck, be a lady tonight / Luck, be a lady tonight / Luck, if you've ever been a lady to begin with / Luck, be a lady tonight." Sky's plea for luck to behave like a faithful lady reflects his desire for stability and success both in gambling and in his burgeoning relationship with Sarah. The song's language suggests that Sky sees luck not just as a random chance but as a companion who can influence his fate if she chooses to be kind.

Themes

1. Control vs. Chance: The song juxtaposes the elements of control and randomness inherent in gambling. Sky's plea to Lady Luck signifies his attempt to exert some measure of control over an unpredictable situation. This mirrors his efforts to win over Sarah, a challenge that also seems governed by forces beyond his control.

2. Transformation: Sky's character arc is evident in the song. Initially a carefree gambler, his entreaty to Lady Luck reveals his growing commitment and desperation to change for Sarah. The song marks a turning point where his priorities shift from winning a bet to winning Sarah's heart.

3. Personification of Luck: By personifying luck as a lady, Sky romanticizes the concept of fortune, making it more relatable and less abstract. This personification helps convey the emotional stakes of the game and his romantic pursuit. Character Development

"Luck Be a Lady" is crucial for understanding Sky Masterson's character. It exposes his vulnerabilities and the stakes of his gamble, both literal and metaphorical. Sky, who is usually cool and confident, reveals a more desperate and hopeful side. His appeal to Lady Luck is as much about winning the game as it is about securing a future with Sarah, indicating his evolving feelings and priorities "Luck Be a Lady" is more than a gambler's plea; it's a window into Sky Masterson's soul, highlighting his transition from a self-assured gambler to a man who recognizes the importance of love and commitment. The song's blend of gambling lingo and romantic imagery encapsulates the central themes of "Guys and Dolls," making it a poignant and pivotal moment in the musical.

How this research will help me: Understanding the meaning behind "Luck Be a Lady" is crucial for me as I prepare to perform a dance to this iconic song. It's not just about hitting the right moves, it's about embodying the essence of Sky Masterson's journey and the emotional depth of the music. Knowing the emotional nuances of the song allows me to express them authentically through my movements. From Sky's confidence to his desperation and hope, I aim to channel these feelings, making them palpable to the audience. As I step into the character's shoes I recognize the importance of storytelling through my dance. Each movement becomes a part of Sky's gamble, his relationship with Sarah, and his plea to Lady Luck. I want every step to convey the highs and lows of his journey, inviting the audience to join me on this emotional ride. Analysing the song's lyrics and musicality inspires me to make creative movement choices. I explore how I can interpret phrases like "Luck, be a lady tonight" with dynamic gestures and shifts in levels, adding depth to my performance. Ultimately, my goal is to connect with the audience on a profound level. By performing with an understanding of the song's meaning, I aim to leave a lasting impression, not just with my technical skill, but with the authenticity and emotional resonance of my dance.

Jazz dance research

Since the overall style of this dance is jazz I thought I would have a massive look into the history of jazz dance and see witch eras I feel fit best with my dance. I also think it is important for me to really understand the style so I can do it justice. I am also going to look into the history of Broadway because I feel that is also important to help me draw more inspiration for this dance since Musical theatre plays a big role and I think it will also help me to explore how I will perform this dance facially. Hopefully this new understanding of jazz will help me to dance better and more info into musical theatre and Broadway will help me perform.

Roots in African Rhythms:

• Jazz dance traces its origins to the rhythmic and percussive movements of African tribal dances brought to America by enslaved Africans.

• These dances were more than mere physical expressions; they incorporated storytelling, communal bonds, and spiritual significance.

Influence of European Dance Forms:

• As African and European cultures mingled in America, jazz dance absorbed elements from European dance forms like ballet and social dances such as the cakewalk, Charleston, and the Lindy Hop.

• This fusion of styles contributed to jazz dance’s emergence as a distinct art form.

Harlem Renaissance:

• The 1920s and 1930s witnessed the Harlem Renaissance, celebrating African American art, music, and literature.

• Jazz music played a central role in this movement, influencing the development of jazz dance.

• Iconic figures like Josephine Baker and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson epitomized this era.

Golden Age of Hollywood:

• During the 1940s and 1950s, jazz dance gained mainstream popularity through Hollywood films and Broadway musicals.

• Choreographers like Jack Cole and Bob Fosse significantly shaped jazz dance during this period.

• Fosse, in particular, introduced a stylized and sensual approach characterized by isolations, angular movements, and intricate footwork.

Modern Jazz Dance:

• Jazz dance continued evolving throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the 21st century.

• It absorbed influences from other dance styles, including modern dance, hip-hop, and contemporary dance.

• As a result, jazz dance now encompasses a diverse range of techniques and aesthetics.

Today’s Jazz Dance:

• Jazz dance remains a popular and dynamic art form taught in dance studios and performed on stages worldwide.

• Throughout its history, jazz dance has served as a form of cultural expression, social commentary, and entertainment, reflecting the rich diversity and creativity of the American experience. 

I think that my solo would fit best into the time period of the golden age of Hollywood because this is where musical theatre jazz thrived. I really want to work on adding this vibe into my dancing. It was very sensual and stylized and I have choreographed elements of this into my solo. Doing this research has further ignited my passion for jazz dance it is so interesting to me to understand how it came to be and I love how much culture is in it.