11/9/19
Improvisation Task
Today's class consisted of three tasks. These were designed to prepare us to choreograph 2 phrases. The tasks helped to stimulate imagination and creativity, resulting in a far more fresh and exciting perspective choreographically.
For the first task we were given the stimulus of a beach for our improvisation. The movements were conducted on the floor. By introducing beach imagery, it encouraged us to connect with the floor stimulating movements and linking steps which were smooth and grounded to express the repetitive movements of the waves, the delicacy of the sand and the exposure to the elements.
We then had to perform three improvisation: of low energy, medium energy and high leveled energy across the studio. I found these three different levels of movement extremely useful to focus on as they emphasised that dance was not just about a build up of movements but has to be connected at different levels-from fast to slow, low to high and energised to gentle. The juxtaposition of these movements emphasises their contrast. Additionally, by separating the different levels of movement, the importance of the diversity of height and energy were qualities to focus on at all times. I enjoyed this task as it challenged me to consider levels of movement throughout.
The second task was to create movements with different body parts spelling our names. This became our first phrase. I found this very interesting because it made me think outside the box, employing dynamic movements which I would not usually think of. We were then given movements for each number 1-9 to create phrase 2, using our phone numbers e.g. 1 was stillness and 3 a turn. This challenged me a good deal since my sequential memory is weak due to a specific learning difficulty and I found it difficult to link the movements with the numbers.
For task 3 we had to adapt our phrases to express the ideas of impulse, release or impact. I chose impulse because I had enjoyed working on contrast and felt that impulse could show quick and changeable movements. By doing so it changed the characteristics of the 2 phrases significantly. The contrast of the smooth and sharp movements introduced more power and drive into my dancing. This made me flood with excitement and enthusiasm as I danced. As well as this, we had to introduce an adjective that would change the mood of the phrase. I chose "thoughtful" as this is exactly what you wouldn't be if you were impulsive. I instantly moved with a different type of energy, with movements which were bigger and more cautious.
Overall, I was not particularly satisfied with the outcome of the 2 phrases because I felt that the movements still lacked fluidity which frustrated me. I have not done much contemporary or improvisation so although I relished the new opportunities, I found these tasks slightly alien. Nevertheless I certainly felt that by the end of the lesson I had a far wider range of ideas and hope that the emersion in my new environment will nurture greater creativity.
This is an excellent start to your creative blog posts! You have clearly addressed most of the questions set in the task, analysing your thoughts and feelings as well as stated the purpose of each exercise completed within the lesson. I am also very impressed with the spelling and grammar used throughout and the structure of your post.
ReplyDeletePlease reference the video within the blog, providing a brief description of what the video contains, as this will help the reader understand the content. You do not have to limit yourself to one video – multiple videos and referencing could help illustrate each task.
Please recognise your strengths and how they assisted you within the exercise. Also discuss how you could improve your recognised weaknesses over the course of the module. Also consider what you would change if you performed this task again.
Nonetheless, your post is of high quality and I am very much looking forward to seeing what you produce in the coming months.
Miss Norman
I feel one of my strengths within this task was my ability to make my movements large and surprising. This helped me when I had to make my motif impulsive because of the big dynamic changes I used.
DeleteI did notice my lack of fluidity in my transitions after watching the motif on video. I feel with more time and experience I will be able to make my dancing look smoother and more effortless. I will also be focusing on the development of my technique as I feel this will help make my movements look all the more fluid.
If I were to perform this task again I would work on my precision from one movement to the next as I feel at times it did get a bit sloppy. To do this, I will concentrate on the direction and angle of each movement.
You have a included a great amount of description in this blog post, which clearly explains that task you were set and how you felt during the exercise. Although you have suggested areas for improvement, it would also be good to consider your strengths and how you may use these to your advantage throughout the course. Well done Louisa, this is a detailed and clear first blog post.
ReplyDeleteI found your movements very light as if you're weightless. You created some beautiful shapes and lines.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog as it was structured in such a clear way but was also descriptive. You mentioned that you found the number task difficult, however I wondered whether you thought you had any strengths within you motif and how you would improve your piece if you had to do it again?
ReplyDeleteI feel I used the freedom of using any type of movement to the selected theme, for example a jump, well. I have never really had the liberty to think choreographically for myself and felt I did it quite well for my first time!
DeleteI would like to develop my performance in the face if I were to do it again because I don't think I expressed my adjective, thoughtful, very well. I feel I didn't pay enough attention to that aspect as I was mainly thinking about the body performance as I danced.
The writing in your post is so clear. It thoroughly explains every aspect of the work that we did.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that you haven't done much contemporary or improvisation work before. Now we have had more chance to improvise in classes how do you feel about it now? Do you enjoy it? Does it scare you?
I definitely feel my improvisation has got much better now after being at BTUK for my 8th week! I have developed greater choreographic knowledge and movements seem to flow into one another with much more ease. At the start, the thought of improvising terrified me! I felt very under confident when we were asked to do it in class. However, I now feel more enjoyment when improvising and less fear. It has become more natural. Although improvisation is something I still need to work on, I feel a sense of excitement when we asked to do it.
DeleteYour blog was very well structured and you used a range of vocabulary to enhance your ideas. You mentioned improvisation was a new experience for you, no you have done this can you see yourself using this do help choreography? if yes/no can you explain why?
ReplyDeleteI can definitely see myself using improvisation in the future as a method to help me choreopraph. I feel it allows me to explore movement freely which results in me being able to pick the parts I like and discard the ones that do not work. It is a technique I am lookinf forward to developing in the weeks ahead.
DeleteThis is a really good blog post. You have gone into great detail about all of the creative tasks. I like the way you have identified your strengths and weaknesses during the class. Do you think that you would now feel more confident in future improvisation tasks?
ReplyDeleteI definitely think if I were to do an improvisation task again I would feel more confident. After analysing the improvisation piece this week I have now identified; what makes an improvisation successful; my weaknesses and how I will improve them; my strengths and how I can develop them further and how the style and dynamic of movement can be instantly changed with prompts like adjectives and focusing on certain body parts can lead the movement patterns. With this new knowledge, I now have a better understanding on the topic of improvisations which was quite foreign to me prior to this task. I am looking forward to seeing myself develop in this area.
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