 |
| one of the Bartenieff explorations |
Much harder than it sounds.
In the context of Bartenieff, we are always making choices, based on the body we are given and the effects of environment. We also began to see how this relates to phrasing, a key element of dance.
Today in addition to practicing the last of the "basic 6" we also went over the practical definitions and true meanings of the related concepts, which are:
Kinetic chains: Approaching movement sequences of muscles that are engaged simultaneously or consecutively to produce support or movement; proprioceptive sensation of connection in a linked way through fascia enveloping the muscle.
Grounding: Stabilizing through an active relationship with the earth, achieved through a weighted or active outpouring or flow.
Bony landmarks: Reference points to locate relationships between bone which facilitate stability and mobility.
Counter tension: Going in a direction that is to against the tensile action which is very stabilizing.
In our discussion of phrasing, we learned that movement has an initial preparation (finding the intent), an initiation (the beginning of movement), a main action and a recovery (follow through). The preparation phase of that phrase can be guided by
- imagery
- anatomical knowledge
- dynamic intent/effort
- shape initiation or
- spacial intent
Key to the work in phrasing is to know where the emphasis is placed.
The end of our day we learned a short dance phrase that Rusty taught us that we used as a tool to hone our observational skills. We learned that by simply using Bartenieff terminology to describe movement it became for us, as movers, easier to be precise in our movement execution.
I will end this post with a quote from Peggy Hackney, who worked with Bartenieff, while still a dancer:
"Clarity of phrasing leads to clarity and efficiency in body usage."My work with intent within the framework of choreography, can be guided thus.
