Getrude kurath describes dance as
rhythmic movement having as its aim the
creation of visual designs by a series of poses and tracing of the patterns
through space in the course of measured units of time, the two components,
static and kinetic, receiving varying emphases (as in ballet) natya, and modern
dance) and the being executed by different parts of the body in accordance with
temperament, artistic precepts and purpose (Hanna,
1987, p. 21) .
The selection of videos below
shows the differences and the qualities of a solo dancer as compared to a group
of dancers and how they interact with each other. Form, timing and definition
of space are important aspects in all three of them. I am mostly interested in
the idea of bringing rhythm, chance and unpredictability into architecture that
develops as the choreographies develop and become complex. Viewing the three
aspects of the performing arts theatre and school, learning and teaching, administration
and performance as three bodies has the potential to create intersections and
tensions in the built form.
The solo dancer uses the whole
stage. She is conscious of the space around her but she is the focus of the
piece. The motion is energetic, yet soft. She has moments of inward reflection
that are contrasted by the burst of expressive movement.
Three dancers
Similar to the solo dancer, the
three are aware of the limits of their surroundings. Although they are
synchronised there is a hierarchy with a leader who is more articulate and
pronounced. The piece shows both direct and sustained motion with makes it both
dramatic and bold. The piece shows elements of repetition and pattern making
and symmetry.
5 individual dancers
The third piece involves five
dancers that use the same language yet they are not synchronised. It seems
almost individualistic and unpredictable but it is evident that they are aware
of their surrounding and each other. Space definition results from the way they
interact with each other creating both a sense of tension and support. The
final forms give the impression of consolidation, of togetherness.
Through borrowing these elements,
the performing arts theatre will explore the unpredictable to immerse the
theatre goer and the students in the art of performance in both the landscape
and the built form and also seeks to answer the question: Can space be
transformed by the way that people occupy it?
References
Hanna, J., 1987. To
dance is human. 2 ed. Austin : University of Texas press .
Mywaydance, 2013, ‘James
Blake- Limit to your love contemporary workshop by Galina Peha, video,
Youtube, 11August , viewed 28
August 2010, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWCmEe0SlX8
Mywaydance, 2013, ‘Ayub Ogada
(Kenya) - Kothbiro contemporary workshop by Jenya Karyakin, video, Youtube,
11August , viewed 28 August 2010, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4USL6IVTBo
Mywaydance, 2013, ‘Rachael Yamagata - The Only Fault
contemporary choreo by Anya yedynak- Dance centre Myway, video, Youtube,
11August , viewed 28 August 2010, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4USL6IVTBo
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