1. Contemporary Technique

2. By the end of this session you will…  Understand the differences and similarities between Contemporary Technique and Ballet Technique.  Understand how to achieve high quality technique through regular technique classes and rehearsal  Perform a ‘Cunningham’ movement motif demonstrating effective technical and performance skills  Develop the taught motif using ‘ Chance Technique’

3. Recap What is the purpose of a warm up? What are the key components of an effective warm up? In which order should these components be undertaken and why?

4. Contemporary Dance Technique ‘The technique in contemporary dance is focused much more upon unconventional choreographic moves that were devised in the first 60 years of the 20th century by various masters of the craft.’

5. What is Contemporary Dance? ‘Contemporary dance is officially the name given to a series of dance styles including Modern Dance. Extremely interpretive in its choreography, contemporary dance often includes an emphasis on alignment, opposing movement, raw emotions and systematic breathing.’

6. Observation Task Observe the following extracts… What are the differences / similarities between the different dance styles? Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake - Rudolf Nureyev - Margot Fonteyn Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake - Rudolf Nureyev - Margot Fonteyn Henri Oguike Dance Company Compilation Henri Oguike Dance Company Compilation

7. Differences between Ballet and Contemporary Technique 1) Working against gravity – aiming to create the impression of weightlessness. 2) There is a ‘correct’ way of moving. All positions are defined and named. 1) Working with gravity – more grounded, uses the floor to create more weighted movement. 2) Movement is given an individual style and can not be labelled ‘incorrect’. BALLETCONTEMPORARY 1) Working with gravity – more grounded, uses the floor to create more weighted movement. 2) Movement is given an individual style and can not be labelled ‘incorrect’. CONTEMPORARYBALLET 1) Working with gravity – more grounded, uses the floor to create more weighted movement. 2) Movement is given an individual style and can not be labelled ‘incorrect’. CONTEMPORARY 1) Working against gravity – aiming to create the impression of weightlessness. 2) There is a ‘correct’ way of moving. All positions are defined and named. BALLETCONTEMPORARY 1) Working against gravity – aiming to create the impression of weightlessness. 2) There is a ‘correct’ way of moving. All positions are defined and named. BALLET 1) Working with gravity – more grounded, uses the floor to create more weighted movement. 2) Movement is given an individual style and can not be labelled ‘incorrect’. CONTEMPORARYBALLET 1) Working with gravity – more grounded, uses the floor to create more weighted movement. 2) Movement is given an individual style and can not be labelled ‘incorrect’.

8. 3) Nearly always is performed to an audience; dancers presents to them, rarely faces to the back or to the side of stage. 4) Alignment – posture. The spine is straight and upright at all times. 3) Can face any direction, the use of space is less ‘set’ by tradition. 4) Uses a mobile spine; movement is flexible. BALLETCONTEMPORARY

9. 5) Females are on Pointe, creating the impression of defying gravity. 6) Nearly always performed to classical music. 7) Men lift the Females 5) Dancers normally have bare feet and ‘use’ the floor as they move. 6) There is varied accompaniment; can be silence, audio accompaniment etc. 7) Men lift men, women lift women, women lift men etc CONTEMPORARYBALLET

10. Practical Exploration Can you spot the stylistic differences between the Classical Ballet and Contemporary based technical Exercises?

11. Merce Cunningham ‘Cunningham Technique’

12. Cunningham Technique Cunningham technique focuses on the body as a whole, allowing different body parts to perform several movements at the same time. The technique does not reject the traditional characteristics of Ballet, but amalgamates them with aspects of modern dance. For example the strong use of the legs in ballet, is amalgamated with the strong emphasis on the upper body and back in modern dance methods. For example the strong use of the legs in ballet, is amalgamated with the strong emphasis on the upper body and back in modern dance methods.

13. Cunningham Technique Continued…. The role of the spine in maintaining and disrupting alignment is an important characteristic in the technique. Fragmentation being the term coined by Cunningham explores how the spine can be sectioned off into the upper, middle and lower back. Of which tilts, twists, curves, arches and uprights can be performed: ‘One of his technical advancements, related to ballet’s five positions of the feet, he referred to as the Five Positions of the Back….’ (Bremser, M. (1999) P.73)

14. The Five Positions of the Back…

15. Other Stylistic Features…. Sustained movements Rapid changes of weight Shifting of weight Long horizontal leaps Rhythmic patterns Walking/Running Balances Deep lungesSustained movements Rapid changes of weight Shifting of weight Long horizontal leaps Sustained movements Rapid changes of weight Shifting of weight Rhythmic patterns Long horizontal leaps Sustained movements Rapid changes of weight Shifting of weightWalking/Running Rhythmic patterns Long horizontal leaps Sustained movements Rapid changes of weight Shifting of weight Balances Walking/Running Rhythmic patterns Long horizontal leaps Sustained movements Rapid changes of weight Shifting of weight Deep lunges Balances Walking/Running Rhythmic patterns Long horizontal leaps Sustained movements Rapid changes of weight Shifting of weight

16. Stylistic Features Continued…. Gesture Use of a large space Balletic leg/ footwork with Flexible spine and dynamic arm lines Dance for dance sake… they don’t express meaning or narrative Gesture Use of a large space Gesture Balletic leg/ footwork with Flexible spine and dynamic arm lines Use of a large space Gesture Dance for dance sake… they don’t express meaning or narrative Balletic leg/ footwork with Flexible spine and dynamic arm lines Use of a large space Gesture

17. What is a Motif?? A short phrase of movements that represents the style and/or meaning of a dance. A motif is repeated and developed throughout the dance.

18. Choreographic Technique of Chance… Cunningham makes detailed charts showing timings, spatial designs, sounds and movements. He then tosses coins in order to decide on the choices and order of performance. This method involves detailed and careful choreography of the dance movements involved, in order that they be secure in the dancers minds…. Then, and only then, can they be performed in different orders and spatial placing.

19. List A…Action 1= TRAVEL (i.e.. Stepping, crawling, run or cartwheel) 2= JUMP (i.e.. Tuck, jete, leap, spring or bounce) 3= TURN (i.e. Spin, pivot or pirouette) 4= BALANCE (i.e. Pause, Freeze, stop, hold or suspend) 5= GESTURE (i.e. Leg/arm/head gesture) 6= Roll again

20. List B…. Space 1= DIRECTION (i.e. Forward, backwards, sideways, up and down) 2=PATHWAYS -ON THE FLOOR OR IN THE AIR (i.e. Straight, curved, angular or circular) 3=LEVELS (i.e. Low, medium or high) 4= SIZE (i.e. Small or large) 5= PERSONAL SPACE 6= GENERAL SPACE (Centre stage, down stage or upstage)

21. List C…. Dynamics 1=STACCATO 2=SUSTAINED 3=EXPLOSIVE 4=SMOOTH 5= MECHANICAL 6= CONTINUOUS