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

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  • Опубліковано 13 жов 2024
  • 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.
    www.nathanpeti...
    Song- "Achilles Come Down" by Gang of Youths
    Dancers- Danny Maguire, Zewj, & Kimie Fujioka
    Lighting- Jordyn Good

КОМЕНТАРІ • 191

  • @coffee_cos3059
    @coffee_cos3059 Рік тому +2096

    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
      @nathanpetit5778  Рік тому +405

      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!!

  • @unknown_limes
    @unknown_limes Рік тому +841

    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.

  • @reaxoxome
    @reaxoxome Рік тому +41

    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 :(

  • @jojo_nautin1958
    @jojo_nautin1958 Рік тому +1005

    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
      @pjp6 Рік тому +4

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

    • @jojo_nautin1958
      @jojo_nautin1958 Рік тому +12

      @@pjp6 Chapter 30, page 311

    • @jojo_nautin1958
      @jojo_nautin1958 Рік тому +24

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

    • @pjp6
      @pjp6 Рік тому +2

      @@jojo_nautin1958 thanks so much ♥

    • @waffles4wrath
      @waffles4wrath Рік тому +7

      Damn, I wanna cry again

  • @PandiLive
    @PandiLive 6 місяців тому +9

    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

  • @m1sl3ds0ul6
    @m1sl3ds0ul6 Рік тому +444

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

    • @Th_Ghst_Kds1183
      @Th_Ghst_Kds1183 Рік тому

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

    • @m1sl3ds0ul6
      @m1sl3ds0ul6 Рік тому +10

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

  • @figaeroth
    @figaeroth Рік тому +483

    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!

  • @nyg2496
    @nyg2496 Рік тому +144

    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

  • @Poiesis11
    @Poiesis11 Рік тому +416

    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!!

  • @fluffg-nx7ns
    @fluffg-nx7ns Рік тому +13

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

  • @emlothian8093
    @emlothian8093 Рік тому +96

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

    • @kirsten-my9su
      @kirsten-my9su 5 місяців тому +1

      which painting??

    • @daddy3583
      @daddy3583 4 місяці тому

      “Achilles lamenting the death of Patroclus ” by Gavin Hamilton I believe.

    • @farahfathimaalrafeeq3675
      @farahfathimaalrafeeq3675 2 місяці тому +2

      ​@@kirsten-my9su the actual painting of patroclus death. Goodgle patroclus death paiting

    • @kirsten-my9su
      @kirsten-my9su 2 місяці тому +1

      @@farahfathimaalrafeeq3675 is it "achilles lamenting the death of patroclus"?

  • @siaanand6673
    @siaanand6673 Рік тому +46

    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.”

  • @ANotebook-w3s
    @ANotebook-w3s 6 місяців тому +5

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

  • @veggiesnake4430
    @veggiesnake4430 Рік тому +89

    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.

  • @GuardianSpirits13
    @GuardianSpirits13 Рік тому +835

    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!

  • @h0rn3d_h1st0r1an
    @h0rn3d_h1st0r1an Рік тому +5

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

  • @hamilcat1138
    @hamilcat1138 Рік тому +307

    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.

  • @NYCT0PH1L14C
    @NYCT0PH1L14C Рік тому +9

    bro the hug at the end killed me

  • @SydPossibly
    @SydPossibly Рік тому +4

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

  • @speareshaker
    @speareshaker Рік тому +356

    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
      @jojo_nautin1958 Рік тому +11

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

    • @jojo_nautin1958
      @jojo_nautin1958 Рік тому +9

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

    • @imjustelm
      @imjustelm Рік тому +3

      have tissues nearby before you read

  • @love_hunter
    @love_hunter Рік тому +27

    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.

  • @beaaaaaaaa5316
    @beaaaaaaaa5316 Рік тому +40

    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

  • @amygood462
    @amygood462 7 місяців тому +2

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

  • @epiphanierosenstern5635
    @epiphanierosenstern5635 Рік тому +400

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

  • @azizalarrie28yearsago8
    @azizalarrie28yearsago8 Рік тому +6

    " name one hero who was happy "

  • @so_far_away
    @so_far_away Рік тому +25

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

  • @moragra8873
    @moragra8873 Рік тому +514

    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
      @isis._aleh Рік тому +3

      what is the book??

    • @moragra8873
      @moragra8873 Рік тому +7

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

    • @Thtaoy1029
      @Thtaoy1029 Рік тому +5

      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
      @Sky-xb4hy Рік тому +18

      @@Thtaoy1029 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.

    • @Thtaoy1029
      @Thtaoy1029 Рік тому +6

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

  • @nanditaroychoudhurymaulik5834
    @nanditaroychoudhurymaulik5834 Рік тому +4

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

  • @Aster_druid
    @Aster_druid Рік тому +3

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

  • @ph_lopes2
    @ph_lopes2 Рік тому +3

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

  • @isabellavaldivia4941
    @isabellavaldivia4941 Рік тому +4

    OMG THE ENDING😭😭😭

  • @haileymorgan7468
    @haileymorgan7468 Рік тому +7

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

  • @prosree1
    @prosree1 Рік тому +3

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

  • @greciavy
    @greciavy Рік тому +4

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

  • @sarahwarnakulasuriya5241
    @sarahwarnakulasuriya5241 Рік тому +2

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

  • @adrianright514
    @adrianright514 Рік тому +8

    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.

  • @Vasilikati
    @Vasilikati Рік тому +2

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

  • @vailarina7796
    @vailarina7796 5 місяців тому +2

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

  • @arrow7648
    @arrow7648 Рік тому +69

    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

  • @thefollow-spot7111
    @thefollow-spot7111 Рік тому +3

    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!!!

  • @ishagoteti1089
    @ishagoteti1089 Рік тому +3

    this is such a beautiful peice of storytelling my goodness

  • @aaliyashaikh7580
    @aaliyashaikh7580 4 місяці тому +1

    the way i know nothing about dance but ive read soa and LOVE this song so i understood this performance almost beat for beat, aaaaa, beautiful.

  • @elliotgale
    @elliotgale Рік тому +4

    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!!

  • @Villaneve_
    @Villaneve_ Рік тому +123

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

  • @hat7475
    @hat7475 Рік тому +3

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

    • @hat7475
      @hat7475 Рік тому +2

      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

  • @misskittystryker
    @misskittystryker 9 місяців тому +2

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

  • @luci539
    @luci539 Рік тому +2

    ohhh this is beautiful beyond words

  • @TzarinaOfLies
    @TzarinaOfLies Рік тому +3

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

  • @SweeteaDove
    @SweeteaDove Рік тому +94

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

  • @star-sw6vf
    @star-sw6vf Рік тому +2

    i just can't it's too beautiful

  • @KIreland
    @KIreland Рік тому +8

    dancers ate but lighting design im in love with you

  • @flora_fauna4696
    @flora_fauna4696 Рік тому +17

    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

  • @xxobrittanyg
    @xxobrittanyg Рік тому +2

    Oooooh that was so beautiful. What magnificent storytelling 😢

  • @derpyshark3305
    @derpyshark3305 Рік тому +3

    Literally my favorite song

  • @Aravis-the-dragon
    @Aravis-the-dragon 8 місяців тому +1

    I´M CRYING RIGHT NOW BRO!!!!!!

  • @Kat-V
    @Kat-V Рік тому +2

    humans are beautiful

  • @yuyuiceflower9683
    @yuyuiceflower9683 Рік тому +2

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

  • @ghostgie
    @ghostgie 4 місяці тому +1

    I’ve just read the song of Achilles and I’m OBSESSED (also I always enjoyed this song so much) so I ended up here somehow and it’s soooo wonderful and lovely I’m completely amazed!!!

  • @zeinanicolas7359
    @zeinanicolas7359 Рік тому +5

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

  • @fzahra936
    @fzahra936 Рік тому +3

    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
    @kateee3350 Рік тому +2

    jordyn good actually ate the lighting

  • @arc7200
    @arc7200 Рік тому +6

    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.

  • @meganthompson7580
    @meganthompson7580 Рік тому +3

    Absolutely beautiful

  • @nouranbenkraiem7693
    @nouranbenkraiem7693 Рік тому +37

    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

  • @gottaluvgan
    @gottaluvgan Рік тому +3

    You just ripped out my heart.
    This was amazing.

  • @Cornelia_x
    @Cornelia_x Рік тому +14

    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

  • @rizziefortan
    @rizziefortan Рік тому +2

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

  • @Jay_Jay777
    @Jay_Jay777 Рік тому +6

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

  • @emmabrandel9870
    @emmabrandel9870 Рік тому +25

    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.

  • @silquenaitini5245
    @silquenaitini5245 Рік тому +5

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

  • @ritvr
    @ritvr Рік тому +2

    I'm not crying, you're crying

  • @helloworld7714
    @helloworld7714 Рік тому +2

    This was wonderful, it gave me chills!

  • @soop1067
    @soop1067 Рік тому +3

    This dance is so fucking good

  • @mariaochenas3634
    @mariaochenas3634 Рік тому +18

    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.

  • @Gh0stWithTheM0st
    @Gh0stWithTheM0st Рік тому +37

    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!!! ❤

  • @claremilcarek1061
    @claremilcarek1061 Рік тому +2

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

  • @tonis3781
    @tonis3781 Рік тому +3

    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.

  • @greynotgray6808
    @greynotgray6808 Рік тому +22

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

  • @katelynmilleroffical
    @katelynmilleroffical Рік тому +2

    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
      @katelynmilleroffical Рік тому +1

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

  • @revatijagdale4084
    @revatijagdale4084 Рік тому +2

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

  • @randomripoff123
    @randomripoff123 Рік тому +4

    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!

  • @PiskeyFaeri
    @PiskeyFaeri Рік тому +5

    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
      @PiskeyFaeri Рік тому +1

      Just me, back again. Over and over.

  • @stardust.7507
    @stardust.7507 Рік тому +40

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

  • @yourlocalmarvelfan6211
    @yourlocalmarvelfan6211 Рік тому +2

    Great job! Beautiful!

  • @qurratulainakram8436
    @qurratulainakram8436 Рік тому +4

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

  • @returntosoilgumiho
    @returntosoilgumiho Рік тому +2

    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

  • @echomenhir
    @echomenhir Рік тому +29

    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.

  • @toby_de_doby4043
    @toby_de_doby4043 Рік тому +7

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

  • @Izzy-kw5sx
    @Izzy-kw5sx Рік тому +2

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

  • @livlikeshistory
    @livlikeshistory Рік тому +2

    this is so beautiful

  • @shrutisharmaaa
    @shrutisharmaaa Рік тому +2

    This is stunning. Very beautifully presented the book ❤

  • @missbalzary
    @missbalzary Рік тому +5

    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 💛

  • @sofiam5436
    @sofiam5436 Рік тому +2

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

  • @marianacardozo1897
    @marianacardozo1897 Рік тому +5

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

  • @ian3523
    @ian3523 Рік тому +1

    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

  • @KnotAnOwl
    @KnotAnOwl Рік тому +3

    The Iliad as a ballet (and greeks as dance in general) is not my hill but I would die on it.

  • @malletdevoted
    @malletdevoted Рік тому +4

    Absolutely beautiful!

  • @theowild2524
    @theowild2524 Рік тому +3

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

  • @cupcaketv5673
    @cupcaketv5673 Рік тому +14

    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.

  • @nataliamatisova3941
    @nataliamatisova3941 Рік тому +10

    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!