Charles Weidman - Choreographic Themes

Choreographic Themes

Weidman was also well known for the range of choreographic styles in which he worked. He worked in several different elements including religious, comedic, tributary and serious work. Arguably his most famous work "Flickers" was a comedic sketch of silent films. This piece was filled with "jerky movements and corny situations". The piece is cut into four different reels that are four different stories or scenes. The pieces are very theatrical and comedic with many exaggerated facial expressions. Racial and sex stereotypes are exaggerated to a point of hilarity. In stark contrast Weidman choreographed a series called Atavisms which consisted of three pieces: Lynch town, a choreographic depiction of a carnal and bloodthirsty mob acting like vultures about to devour their prey, "Bargain Counter", and "Stock Exchange". Weidman's work This Passion, a suite of dances depicting popular murder cases also gained much renown. One of Weidman's major works was "Brahms Waltzes", which was dedicated to Doris Humphrey "because it was the kind of movement she loved and could dance so beautifully". Contrasted against that again was a series of dances made as tributes to his mother's side of the family called "On My Mothers side" this featured a succession of dances based on different members of his mothers side of the family. His later work is best known in his "Oratorios" centered around religious themes as well as the aforementioned "Braham's Waltz's". Said Clay of these later works: "It is a work magnificent in its scope and power and is arguably Mr. Weidman's master opus."