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

Choreography by Nat 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.

Song- "Achilles Come Down" by Gang of Youths
Dancers- Danny Maguire, Zewj, & Kimie Fujioka
Lighting- Jordyn Good

[coffee_cos]

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 <3

[unknown_limes]

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.

[figaeroth]

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!

[msldsul]

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

[jojo_nautin]

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.

[PandiLive]

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

[nyg]

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

[reaxoxome]

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 :(

[Poiesis]

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!!

[veggiesnake]

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.

[fluffg-nxns]

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

[siaanand]

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.”

[GuardianSpirits]

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!

[ANotebook-ws]

God I was not expecting to feel so much about this story again today </3 That was beautiful :, ) FELT their emotion.
Also: applause to tech! The lighting designers did such an awesome job with each section of the performance and really helped bring out the story, so underrated but impactful. 💫

[epiphanierosenstern]

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

[emlothian]

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

[beaaaaaaaa]

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

[love_hunter]

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.

[hrnd_hstran]

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

[so_far_away]

oh wow, that final embrace between Achilles and Patroclus made me cry.

such a beautiful performance ♡