Rooster was first performed on 8 December 1994 and is a fascinating multi-layered choreographic work. There is a certain sense of elegance and graciousness that pervades much of Rooster which is drawn from the characteristics of the dance styles of European courts of the late 1500s to the early 1700s.

The Rolling Stones were a rebellious rock band of the 60’s when Bruce grew up and he has selected eight of their songs which provide the backbone upon which Rooster was created. He uses the words mimetically in the movement to communicate intention and meaning.

The first section of Rooster is performed to the song Little Red Rooster. It is the introduction to Bruce’s work and we can easily see here the metaphor of the Rooster which is to demonstrate the male dominance, especially over women. The definition of rooster is not only an adult male bi

The seventh part is composed to Play with Fire and reveals another kind of relationship. There is just one couple dancing and the female has a feather boa. The male is more dominant here as he is gaining back power. The girl is trying to seduce him however he appears to be quite satisfied without her. Sometimes he will come to her and accept but other times he rejects her.

The sixth segment is performed to Ruby Tuesday and is about an innocent girl being shut down. The isolation in space at the beginning shows her as being conservative. She uses all the space and directions and levels which represents a sense of freedom with no boundaries. When the four males enter they pick her up and carry her a lot. The movement is closer to classical her, very innocent with no major hip movements.

The fifth section is choreographed to Paint it Black and is very sexy and seductive. It consists of only one male dancer and three females. Christopher Bruce is showing us a major switch in gender roles in this segment. The girls seem to be in control and are dominant over the one male. We can see this in the space used as the girls are always at the back and taller than he is. He is on the floor a lot showing the girls power over him now as they never lower themselves to the floor. They are in unison and are watching what he does all the time.

Some topics in this essay:
Christopher Bruce, Red Rooster, Bruce’s Rooster, Sympathy Devil, Lady Jane, Play Fire, Rolling Stones, Paint Black, , christopher bruce, gender roles, section rooster, crossing arms, doing rooster step, front stage, rooster performed, couple dancing, accents prominent, crossing uncrossing, rooster motif,