Achilles Come Down - A Story Told Through Dance - Based on The Song of Achilles

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2 жыл бұрын

Choreography by Nathan Petit.
This was my capstone for my Dance Minor at the University of Northern Colorado. The minute I read "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller, I knew I wanted to tell this story through dance. I am so thankful for everyone who helped bring this piece to life.
www.nathanpetit.com/
Song- "Achilles Come Down" by Gang of Youths
Dancers- Danny Maguire, Zewj, & Kimie Fujioka
Lighting- Jordyn Good

Пікірлер: 178

@coffee_cos3059 Жыл бұрын

I love how in the beginning it represented Achilles and Patroclus in their youth, then in the Trojan war, and the romance between Achilles and Patroclus then briseis and Patroclus, then the death of Patroclus and the pain of both briseis and Achilles. Then the embrace in the end is just beautiful, like two souls reuniting after death This may not be exactly what the dance is saying but this is how I saw it and I absolutely loved it

@nathanpetit5778 Жыл бұрын

Not that there is a correct/incorrect way to interpret art, but that was spot on with my choreographic intentions. I’m so glad you loved it!!

@jojo_nautin1958 Жыл бұрын

An underrated quote from the song of Achilles: "I took a last look at Achilles, standing by the side of the chariot, almost forlorn. I reached for his hand, and he gripped it. "Be careful', he said. "I will' There was more to say, but for once we did not say it. There would be other times for speaking, tonight and tomorrow and all days after that. He let go of my hand." If only they knew.

@pjp6 Жыл бұрын

Do you know what page or chapter in the book that is from?

@jojo_nautin1958 Жыл бұрын

@@pjp6 Chapter 30, page 311

@jojo_nautin1958 Жыл бұрын

It’s right before Patroclus goes to fight in Achilles‘ armour and you know…

@pjp6 Жыл бұрын

@@jojo_nautin1958 thanks so much ♥

@waffles4wrath Жыл бұрын

Damn, I wanna cry again

@unknown_limes Жыл бұрын

I just can't get over this whole thing, it's a beautiful interpretation of an incredibly dense piece of literature. My favorite bit of symbolism is how they start out lined up Patroclus-Achilles-Briseis, Achilles centered as he's the titular character of the book and he's supposed to be the main lead thanks to his role as a legendary hero of Greece. It's only after we see an interpretation of their entire lives that the lineup changes so Patroclus takes the center spot, representative of how important HIS story-changing role actually is, and how he's the lead in the book.

@m1sl3ds0ul6 Жыл бұрын

The way Patroclus' death was shown in this dance was stunning and heartbreaking

@Th_Ghst_Kds1183 Жыл бұрын

What minute in the video shows Patroclus' death through dance?

@m1sl3ds0ul6 Жыл бұрын

@@Th_Ghst_Kds1183 4:35 is when i personally thought it happened but interpretive dance is interpretive

@figaeroth Жыл бұрын

i LOVE how patroclus' pose always faces achilles. during the start where he's to the left, he's facing right. during the end, where he's the center (a very neat detail!), he's facing left. amazing choreography!

@Poiesis11 Жыл бұрын

The artistic “sloppy” dances done after Patroclus died were so beautiful. They showed the true heartbreak that came with his death. This was so amazing. Kudos to the choreographer and the dancers!!

@nyg2496 Жыл бұрын

i love the attention to detail like how achilles and briseis after patroclus' death, despite dancing together, never touched once also i just loved the way they portrayed achilles, patroclus, and briseis' relationship overall

@GuardianSpirits13 Жыл бұрын

This was stunning! I'm not familiar with storytelling through dance in the lease but you really capture the emotion of both the song and the book brilliantly. Incredible work from both you and the performers!

@veggiesnake4430 Жыл бұрын

It's such a beautiful piece. I can see Patroclus' competitiveness and bitterness of his youth, the way he dares Achilles, and how that grows into an acceptance and love. Their journey to Troy, and then his friendship with Briseis, his uncertainty, his temptation. Finally, Patorclus' death, and the anger that Achilles and Briseis have for each other in their grief. It's such a beautiful piece.

@epiphanierosenstern5635 Жыл бұрын

OMG DOES THE END REPRESENT THE ASHES MIX TOGETHER? IT'S AWESOME!!

@nathanpetit5778 Жыл бұрын

HAHA YEP!!! THANKS!!

@hamilcat1138 Жыл бұрын

I have no words. I actually just sat on my couch stunned until someone asked if I was alright, I then started crying. So beautiful and honestly I might go re read the book now.

@emlothian8093 Жыл бұрын

the way the pose as patroclus died looks so similar to the painting has me violently sobbing

@kirsten-my9su 9 күн бұрын

which painting??

@PandiLive Ай бұрын

The part with the “where you go I’m going, so jump and I’m jumping since there is no me without you” was so beautifully done 1:17

@speareshaker Жыл бұрын

This is, in the most literal sense, heartbreakingly beautiful. I'd never heard of the book in question prior to watching this performance. Now, I feel like I must read it if only so I can fully appreciate the level of thought, emotion, and artistic vision that you've put into this piece. Thank you for sharing your art with the world, Nathan.

@jojo_nautin1958 Жыл бұрын

do yourself a favor and read it it’s so beautiful

@jojo_nautin1958 Жыл бұрын

it will rip your heart out but it’s worth it, that shit changes you

@imjustelm Жыл бұрын

have tissues nearby before you read

@siaanand6673 Жыл бұрын

the end is just “In the darkness, two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun.”

@h0rn3d_h1st0r1an 9 ай бұрын

ironically enough, this is the perfect song for contemporary dance choreographies.

@starryalien 11 ай бұрын

I love the fact that after patroclus’ death, achilles and briesis are distant from each other. they still danced with each other, but never touched. this shows how achilles and briesis were never close, and how the only way they could relate to each other was by patroclus’ death :(

@fluffg-nx7ns 11 ай бұрын

I love how when Patroclus died the way Achilles and Briseis walked was like as if their souls were shattered!!

@love_hunter Жыл бұрын

THIS WAS BEAUTIFUL. I love how the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles was depicted. I noticed that at some parts the dancers have the same movements, however, at the same time, some aspects or details are different. It makes me think of the quote “he is half of my soul as the poets say.” The dancers move as one soul while also capturing the essence of two different people/personalities.

@moragra8873 Жыл бұрын

I´m crying real tears! :´)) This is wonderful. Having read the book I must tell you: the meaning behind the movements really came through beautifully. Thank you for sharing your art with the world!

@isis._aleh Жыл бұрын

what is the book??

@moragra8873 Жыл бұрын

“The song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller ( a tremendous writer!

@MemberoftheUnusAnnuscult Жыл бұрын

As someone who has a brain of a bird and surface-level thinking, I had/have no idea that the movements had meaning. To me, they were just dancing to the music. Can you explain?

@Sky-xb4hy Жыл бұрын

@@MemberoftheUnusAnnuscult after the introduction, when there are only two boys on the stage, it is time for the beginning of Patroclus and Achilles' romance. They make the same movements because they are two halves of a soul. Patroclus falls, he is physically weaker than Achilles and other boys, but the hero is not discouraged, he loves Patroclus. Later, at Troy, Achilles begins to fade away and Briseid takes his place. Patroclus felt something for her, he said that he could be with her if it wasn't for Achilles, whom he loved above all else. Patroclus tries to gently move away from her, Achilles takes him from the hands of Brizeid. They dance together for a while, and then Achilles takes him in his arms. When Patroclus falls, Briseid pushes him against Achilles, signifying her consent to let Patroclus go to fight as Achilles, in his armor, leading to Patroclus' death. Achilles' lover dies, Achilles and Briseis grieve. In short, Brizeid leaves Achilles, and he dies alone, in despair. At the end, Achilles and Patroclus meet after death, their souls will always meet because of the love they feel for each other.

@MemberoftheUnusAnnuscult Жыл бұрын

@@Sky-xb4hy Thanks for the explanation. That was quite the love story and the explanation.

@beaaaaaaaa5316 Жыл бұрын

Im not sure if this is the correct styles but i like how when patroclus & achilles are together its more gymnastics/martial art move to show the violence & when they hold hands it shows the romance & closeness of their relationship but with briseis its more inspired by the quickstep/waltz & a hint of classical ballet to show the romance between them in a more traditional way

@toilette.__ Жыл бұрын

bro the hug at the end killed me

@haileymorgan7468 7 ай бұрын

I am honestly stunned by how beautiful this is. Truly one of the best storytelling portrayals I've seen done through choreography :)

@so_far_away Жыл бұрын

oh wow, that final embrace between Achilles and Patroclus made me cry. such a beautiful performance ♡

@isabellavaldivia4941 Жыл бұрын

OMG THE ENDING😭😭😭

@arrow7648 Жыл бұрын

never before has the youtube algorithm given me something so utterly enthralling and extraordinary. the story, the flow, the timing, everything was amazing and captivating. this is incredibly beautiful well done

@SydPossibly 10 ай бұрын

Literally crying. Tears have been shed. I am dead. Deceased.

@silquenaitini5245 Жыл бұрын

im really interested in the lighting around 1:40, like how do they do tht hhahhahah

@ph_lopes2 8 ай бұрын

The death of Patroclus, and Achilles alone at the end, really broke me. So beautifull but so sad❤💔

@amygood462 2 ай бұрын

Absolutely stunning piece. Choreography, dancing and the lighting.... Wow. All the pieces work wonderfully together.

@ANguyen-er3ov Ай бұрын

God I was not expecting to feel so much about this story again today

@Aster_druid Жыл бұрын

Screaming, crying, throwing up, having a fit, never getting over it

@adrianright514 9 ай бұрын

The story of Achilles and Patroclus have a special plac ein my heart... This is utterly beautiful and a masterpiece, i cried many times throughout the piece. My heart aches for them... I love everything about this.

@Villaneve_ Жыл бұрын

I love this song and every song by gang of youths, plus this dance was stunning

@Kat-V 7 ай бұрын

humans are beautiful

@azizalarrie28yearsago8 Жыл бұрын

" name one hero who was happy "

@KIreland Жыл бұрын

dancers ate but lighting design im in love with you

@Ragdoll161 Жыл бұрын

I'm really bad at interpreting dance, but there's no denying what the end was and I love you for it :D

@soop1067 Жыл бұрын

This dance is so fucking good

@flora_fauna4696 Жыл бұрын

THAT WAS SO GORGEOUS AND HOW THE CHARACTERS BASICALLY INTRODUCED THEMSELVES IN THE BEGINNING AND LIKE HOW I FELT THE EMPTION OF THE PERFORMANCE IS SPOT ON ONGGGG

@Vasilikati Жыл бұрын

Oh my god!!!!!!!!! The BEST thing I've ever seen! I've never ever have seen something like this, not even similar. AMAZING!

@Jay_Jay777 Жыл бұрын

4:35 this reminds me of that statue of Patroclus and Menealus. Gonna go cry now.

@TzarinaOfLies Жыл бұрын

I can no longer hear this song without thinking of this performance.

@nanditaroychoudhurymaulik5834 11 ай бұрын

Ok please as a classical dancer- this is the best pieces of story incorporated choreography I've seen

@sarahwarnakulasuriya5241 7 ай бұрын

I am not joking when I tell you that this very literally bought me to tears. Extremely beautiful

@__-sd6su Жыл бұрын

El detalle del final 😭

@elliotgale 11 ай бұрын

this is, by far, the coolest creative work ive seen inspired by TSOA and achilles/patroclus in general. what a beautiful, powerful, moving story told through one of the most evocative mediums!!

@ritvr_ Жыл бұрын

I'm not crying, you're crying

@vailarina7796 29 күн бұрын

The last embrace got me SOBBING I really need to go re read that book

@thefollow-spot7111 10 ай бұрын

This video was one of the reasons I ended up finally reading the book! Coming back to watch it again after having finished the book, it is even more stunning than when I first watched it! Bravo! Absolutely gorgeous and evocative!!!

@prosree1 Жыл бұрын

The fact that Madeline spend 10 years writing this book ! Ofc it had to be a masterpiece 🤧

@nouranbenkraiem7693 Жыл бұрын

I actually cried!! This was amazing! And the way i knew which part of the story we were in based on the dance proves how good this is

@Cornelia_x Жыл бұрын

I'm actually crying no joke, the book was stunning and so is this dance. it makes me so happy as a dancer to see stuff like this, people who care about the movement and all the details, jakjfkefhajsf

@ishagoteti1089 Жыл бұрын

this is such a beautiful peice of storytelling my goodness

@fzahra936 Жыл бұрын

I have never seen storytellinh through music but this was so good that even a novice like me understood!!! Excellent piece of work, both by you guys and Madelline Miller herself. ❤

@kateee3350 Жыл бұрын

jordyn good actually ate the lighting

@emmabrandel9870 Жыл бұрын

i just wanted to say as a fellow performing arts student (music major!) how much this spoke to me. this book and song have also captivated me, so much so that it sparked my interest again in greek mythology and i now plan to get a graduate degree in classics. thank you for sharing this art with us, what a lovely, heart-wrenching addition to the song of achilles canon.

@zeinanicolas7359 Жыл бұрын

the dancer who played briseis had such amazing control and beautiful grace! good job everyone, i love this book :)

@greciavy Жыл бұрын

not the end when they finally come back to each other in the underworld 😭

@yuyuiceflower9683 Жыл бұрын

What is it about song of achilles that makes me cry in every single way it's interpreted This is beautiful

@Gh0stWithTheM0st Жыл бұрын

that was honestly so stunning, you can just tell how well thought out each move is. The top-down lighting really enhanced the whole thing tbh, it may seem simple but it really changed the portrayal and emotion of the dancing. well done!!! ❤

@sarahhanegan6676 Жыл бұрын

When I watched the first time I though that Briseis was Thetis, but I like how you represented all the characters. i would love to see an interpretation with Thetis and Patroclus making up in the end but I love what you did with the song x

@misskittystryker 4 ай бұрын

This is absolutely stunning. I love this song, and your interpretation gave me goosebumps.

@derpyshark3305 Жыл бұрын

Literally my favorite song

@greynotgray6808 Жыл бұрын

This song... it's something otherworldly. What a great choice for something so beautifully artistic.

@arc7200 Жыл бұрын

Im heartbroken and crying and this is probbly one of the most emotional moments of my life. I want to scream and tell everyone the story and show this masterpiece to everyone.

@rizziefortan Жыл бұрын

The dancers conveyed the emotions right on point it was so very beautifully potrayed !! I love this !!

@mariaochenas3634 Жыл бұрын

I have not read the Song of Achilles, but I am familiar with the story because I know the plot of the Iliad and want to read it first. But this is glorious.

@adellefletcher Жыл бұрын

Prepare yourself for emotional damage

@xxobrittanyg Жыл бұрын

Oooooh that was so beautiful. What magnificent storytelling 😢

@echomenhir Жыл бұрын

The feed delivered this to me a few days ago and I'm just so totally in love. I must have watched this about twenty times already. The fluidity, timing, grace-the meaningful storytelling and interactions happening between the dancers here. The way it all flows together, carrying so much depth on light wings. Just stunning nonverbal storytelling. And that ending. God, my heart. I wish I had been there to see this in person. Beautifully imagined, beautifully realized. Thank you.

@gottaluvgan Жыл бұрын

You just ripped out my heart. This was amazing.

@randomripoff123 Жыл бұрын

i've now watched this probably more than 5 times, and have shared this w a few ppl, as well. it's just incredible. it's so wild bc while yes, i read the book, i read it a year and a half ago. i have utterly no idea how or why the algorithm suggested this to me, but it did, and it's amazing. exactly up my alley. lol honestly what's amazing is, 1.5 years after reading the book, this performance and choreography actually reminded me of plot elements that i had forgotten in the meantime. so much nuance of story within just a few gestures and movements. and that moment where patroclus falls, achilles rushes to him, and patroclus recovers, only to perform even more impressively? that so wonderfully captures his entire character, as well, and is a terrible foreshadowing of his eventual death. hhhhhhh i'm fine. lol all of this is gorgeous and lovely. well done to you, the dancers, and everyone else listed in the credits!

@stardust.7507 Жыл бұрын

I could not look away for even a moment. Such beautiful and brilliant choreography! ❤️

@hat7475 Жыл бұрын

WHEN I READ THROUGH THE WHOLE TITLE I PHYSICALY COULDN'T KEEP MY EXCITEMENT IN, BRB GONNA WATCH 4THIS ALL THEN COME BACK

@hat7475 Жыл бұрын

i have no words. this, i,s beautiful! as someone who didnt read the book yet listened to this song shit ton of times, this was amazing. and i cant imagine how much more it'd shine if i _had_ the book! looking at the other comments, i can say, this was truly amayzing

@Aravis-the-dragon 3 ай бұрын

I´M CRYING RIGHT NOW BRO!!!!!!

@meganthompson7580 Жыл бұрын

Absolutely beautiful

@missbalzary Жыл бұрын

I cried so hard at this. The song is a masterpiece, and the dancing is just perfect and clear to anyone who knows the story of the characters (or read Miller's book). So well done 💛

@helloworld7714 11 ай бұрын

This was wonderful, it gave me chills!

@cupcaketv5673 Жыл бұрын

Well done!! I'm impressed by how well you conveyed the emotions and characters through your choreography! Of course I wasn't 100% sure but I did quickly recognize Achilles, Patroclus and Briseïs. This was simply beautiful.

@katelynmilleroffical Жыл бұрын

This is just.. I don’t have the words, this is absolutely gorgeous and so well done the beautiful storytelling and the amazing dancers portraying it. It’s a gorgeous peace and it captures the story well

@katelynmilleroffical Жыл бұрын

Omg!!! And how the music end and the held hands in the quiet that was so perfect!

@claremilcarek1061 Жыл бұрын

I can clearly tell there was so much emotion and strive in this, amazing job from all 3 i just finished crying.

@star-sw6vf 10 ай бұрын

i just can't it's too beautiful

@returntosoilgumiho Жыл бұрын

this is so beautiful ! everything lve seen fanmade about song of achilles is stunning and worthy , l keep thinking if they have to one day make a movie adaptation (l hope they never ) then they better look to the artiste of beautiful renditions as these and convey all the emotion. they would have no excuse

@Izzy-kw5sx Жыл бұрын

i am fully sobbing- it's the first time dance has made me cry like this

@ian3523 Жыл бұрын

I remember being so sad cause I couldn't save this and couldn't't look at the comments since I wanted to see everyone adoring it as much as I did

@toby_de_doby4043 Жыл бұрын

that is really beautiful! You can see the book behind those movements

@nataliamatisova3941 Жыл бұрын

I am heartbroken. This was gracefully beautiful, and from now, my favorite choreography. I was left crying in my own bubble of grief after the end, and now I am oing to rewatch it 100 times. Applause!

@luci539 10 ай бұрын

ohhh this is beautiful beyond words

@PiskeyFaeri Жыл бұрын

I've now watched this at least once a day for a week, it's stunning. Well done, Nathan, and well done, Danny, Zewj and Kimie.

@PiskeyFaeri Жыл бұрын

Just me, back again. Over and over.

@qurratulainakram8436 Жыл бұрын

I've watched this 15+ times now. What beautiful artwork!

@marianacardozo1897 Жыл бұрын

this is INSANE. every movement portrays these characters' essences so well!!!! bravo

@revatijagdale4084 Жыл бұрын

this. brought me to tears. very literally. your dance was so beautiful!

@sofiam5436 Жыл бұрын

this truely captures the essence of the book and it's so beautiful!!

@yourlocalmarvelfan6211 Жыл бұрын

Great job! Beautiful!

@livlikeshistory Жыл бұрын

this is so beautiful

@theowild2524 Жыл бұрын

I still don't really get dance as a medium for storytelling, but the end still brought tears to my eyes. Phenomenal work

@tonis3781 7 ай бұрын

We see the move where they hold there hands in front of themselves thrice. In the beginning patroculus and achilles do it but their hands dont touch. Second after patrocolus's death achilles and briesis dp it bit it doesnt fit. The third os the end, in the end patroculus and achilles hold each others hands while doing the move and then they embrace. Its beautiful.

@blue.johnstone.z Жыл бұрын

i've not finished the book yet but i can sort of tell what's coming now! this is so beautiful, i love dancing myself so much and your choreography is so expressive i love it! :)