Embodied Movement Practices / Fall 2023

      I   Unit: Elements of Movement Theme: Focus   Introduction    Focus is one of the most important elements of dance. It provides a sense of direction to the movement of the body beyond its own directionality. It anchors the movement choice to a specific point in space. Without a sense of focus the movement will always feel random.  --------- II   Warm Up    The isolation's warm-up provides the body with the opportunity to connect itself to its flow of energy muscle group by muscle group, joint by joint, bringing the needed synovial fluid to lubricate every articulation. This, in turn, would avoid dancers from injuring themselves. -------- III  Learning Objectives   Understand the importance of focus in dance Explain the different ways focus works Gain awareness of the role of focus in a well connected dance proposition Experience focus, first hand, by adding that element to today's solo phrase IV Main Le...

  Unit: Elements of Dance Theme: Size & Inside Out / Outside In I   Introduction   Last class we discussed place and its derived concepts (self and general space). Today we will explore the concept of size . As a dance concept, size can be big or small, but it can also be near or far. When adding this to what we had discussed about place , size is also about how much space you take when you dance. Added to this concept is the idea of the inside-out dancer versus the outside-in dancer. In terms of space, the inside-out dancer has unlimited space to dance since his/her source of inspiration resides in the mind, the heart, the soul. The out-side dancer, dependent on the physical space, the music and the circumstances, may find that space is a limited element.   ---------------   II Learning Objectives   Understand the concept of size in dance    Explain the difference between the inside-out and outside-in dancer   Experience dance s...

    Unit: Elements of Dance Theme: Place   I   Introduction The elements of dance are the foundational concepts and vocabulary used to help students develop the necessary movement skills to create their own dances.  In addition, t he elements of dance allow students to experience modern dance as a sustainable artistic practice that can last a life time. II Learning Objectives Understand the element of dance, place Experience place as an element for the dancer to share or claim space Gain awareness of the richness that levels and directions add to creative movement. Experience expressive movement through the creation of a phrase Reflect on the overall experience III Main Lesson     1  Warm Up 2 TODAY'S MOVEMENT CONCEPTS Elements of Dance   SPACE Space: refers to  the space through which the dancer's body moves (general or personal space, level, size, direction, pathway, focus).  Levels:    high ,  middle,...

  Unit: Elements of Dance Theme: Place   I   Introduction   Creating a safe environment in the studio is essential for students to feel free to experience dance.  An important first step for students to feel safe to dance and take risks is knowing each other's names. On the other hand, the elements of dance are the foundational concepts and vocabulary used to help students develop the necessary movement skills to create their own dances.  In addition, t he elements of dance allow students to experience modern dance as a sustainable artistic practice that can last a life time. II Learning Objectives   Know  each other's names Understand the element of dance, place Experience place as an element for the dancer to share or claim space Reflect on the experience III Main Lesson 1 ACTIVITY a) Introduce yourself to the group by saying your name, where you come from, your major, if you have any physical training [dance, martial arts, sports, yoga...