A visual version of Chinese Whispers
Today's lesson I felt was the most successful so far. We experimented with time and space after reading Landscape of the Now (De Spain, K., 2012, 108-119) and Composing while dancing (Buckwalter, M., 2010, 60-90). We worked in groups and pairs, and we looked into copying each other and then finding our own versions of the leader's movement by echoing, using the essence, diminishing and augmenting. Almost like visual Chinese Whispers with our body.I felt that this week, I finally understood (or attempted) exploring further movements that were outside of my comfort zone. When we were performing our improvisations in the class, I was very aware of what type of movements were seen and I focused on changing the atmosphere by doing different dynamics and using different effort.
It was also interesting to assess when to enter and exit the space and I was doubting myself and second guessing. Like a false start. I think this was because we were all watching those performing in the space and watching each other, anticipating who was going to make their move. At times, I would enter the space with the intention of joining another occupant but by the time I had made my journey, my plans would fall through. I then had to make quick impulsive decisions. Should I keep dancing? Should I leave the space? Should I begin dancing with another? Whichever you choose, you are engaged with yourself and everyone around, and everyone is engaged with you and themselves.
My journey continues...
Bibliography:
De Kent, S. (2012) Landscape of the Now. USA: Oxford University Press.
Buckwalter, M. (2010) Composing while dancing: An improviser's companion. Madison, Wis: The University of Wisconsin Press.