Bartenieff Fundamentals 5/10/2011

In this contemporary technique lesson we are studying and looking into more detail the Bartenieff Fundamentals.  This idea came from Laban movement analysis. Peggy Hackney wrote a book about these fundamentals called "making connections". It focuses on basic movements: breath, core support, alignment, rotation, phrasing and spatial intent.

This week we focused on core alignment, working from limbs of our body: 2 legs, 2 arms, head and pelvis. We looked into how we can reach these 6 points, reaching to the limits of our body and also having the sense of pulling our bodies into shapes eg pulling everything in to a ball shape or expanding everything into an X-shape. We then went onto an improvisation that allowed us to be more free in the movement but always thinking of core support and the 6 limbs.

Personal goals:

• Improvisation and relaxationg - To relax into this movement and try not to think about what I am doing. Let the improvisation be a true improvisation
• Exporation and freedom - Explore the movement more and try not to stick to what I normally do.
• Risk taking - Push myself to take risks

Feelings that occurred:
      When exploring this movement, a feeling of expansion occurred.  I realise that when I dance I don't normally use the full width and height of the expansion that I have within my range of movement. It was a nice feeling to bring everything into a ball and then stretch right out. I found it difficult to keep thinking about the fundamentals when I danced because I just seem to get carried away with the music and the movement, but when I slow down and think it gives me a chance to apply these fundamentals and I notice a change straight away.
      The Fundamentals are a useful tool for choreographing.  Their use allows a different dynamic  and I will come back to these ideas when choreographing and ask my dancer to think about them and see if this brings out anything more in movement.

Applying this to dance:
        When applying this to combinations, I started off just dancing as I would normally but when I was reminded of my 6 limbs it gave the movement a completely different quality and when also applying breath it has a dynamic quality. When observing other peers in my class I can really tell the difference when they apply the Bartenieff Fundamentals. They look strong in their core but relaxed in their limbs it gives their movement a lovely quality that I could watch for hours.

      In our technique class on the 28/09/2011  we were looking at using the breath, this also reflects into the other techniques that we have been studying, release technique and Limon technique. To hold your breath when dancing shows tension in different parts of your body whereas to breathe into the movement gives you a bigger range and also more flexibility. This is a more relaxed way of dancing and keeps me calm under pressure.