Image via WikipediaMy instructor, Bruna began us with a body warm up utilizing the Bartenieff basic 6:
- thigh lift
- forward pelvic shift
- lateral pelvic shift
- body half
- knee drop
- arm circles
In discussing the exercises it was noted that most were homologous, but that arm circles were "counter" or cross lateral. We moved into basic principles (some not all) of the Bartenieff system as they related to our exploration of space, including breath support, spatial intent (being clear where you are going in space), dynamic alignment and initiation/sequencing. The related concepts Bruna stressed Saturday were grounding and counter tension.
Then she guided us through a self orientation relating to the who of ourselves. Who are you? What is your place in your family/society? What are your movement preferences? We drew our reflections and shared them with the group, after which we made a gallery of our work.
Next we used space individually exploring our kinespheres. This was related to an understanding of near, middle and far reach. After the guided experience, we drew our reflections and shared out. Another understanding was the concept of volume.
This last activity was a transition from the study of body to that of space. We began by experiencing growing and shrinking (navel radiation). Our orientation in space was guided by direction and level. We experienced dimensions, planes and diagonals.
We explored motif, body symbols, and wrote our own short phrases using the action body part symbols. Rusty told us about a free online download to write motif notation, using a mac oriented software called Laban Writer, which I downloaded today.
What I write is my summary of learning but it doesn't really cover the scope of what I have learned in a short eight hours, with another eight occurring today.
I have always used an awareness of Laban's elements in my work. But never have I had such a heightened awareness of how to observe not just others, but my own work, by this standard.
As a sidebar, I went with my husband Tom to Fela on Broadway last night and was blown away. In light of my learning about choreography, seeing Bill T. Jones masterpiece illustrated and felt like the understandings I have been carrying around in my heart all through the fellowship. I was blessed to have taken some classes with Jones several years ago when he was performing in Boston, and am very familiar with his work (Still/Here, Last Supper at Uncle Tom's Cabin/The Promised, Fondly Do We Hope...Fervently Do We Pray) but to see this synthesis of theatre and dance was profoundly meaningful for me.
Today in class we will be exploring shape and effort. I can't wait to report out what my new understandings are from the experiences that I have today.
