Recently we have started to focus more on the minimal movements in the floor. During the first studio class we had we lifted our arms and legs and the different bone structures with the least possible strength. Based off of that we have explored the body with yoga exercises. Now that we know how the body works, we have started building up routines in the floor including the subtle movements of the core and limbs. It’s the perfect morning workout!
Given the fact that all I can think of when I get to class is how cold it is (no matter how warm or cold it is outside (I get really cold in the morning regardless)) and how at 8:30am I should probably still in bed. All of these feelings just remind me of high school and the times I actually caught myself driving with my eyes closed. I’m in no way a morning person! So for me, the hardest aspect of this class is actually getting myself there, once I’m there, I’m in love! Even though it might not look like it whenever I don’t pay much attention with my hair or clothes my heart is definitely in paradise when I go to class.
Having said this, the studio exercises that we have been working on recently, have turned into mini routines that make me focus in the tiny movements that I can do with my body. I haven’t danced ballet since last semester, but I’m thinking that these exercises are going to reflect in my performance the next time I go take a dance class.
The best part about it is that we are actually working WITH gravity instead of AGAINST it. How come? In ballet class, we usually try to defy gravity and the time continuum. We try to get our legs as high as humanly possible (even if it’s impossible for some) and try to dance as specific as we can in a time span of maybe four sets of eight that constitute too many steps to even mention. In dance physiology, we do the exact opposite. By slowing everything down, to a level none of us has really explored before, we have discovered how to use knowledge and have gravity in our side. Not only are we working on the floor, lying down, so falling is really a minimal problem. But with the concepts that we have learned like interactive alignment we have gained knowledge that had never crossed my mind.
So interesting to see what happens to the body when you take gravity out of the equation right? Unfortunately it is something we rarely get to explore during technique class as time constraints keep us focused on the bare bones of technique. There is definitely value in looking at movement from this perspective as it provides insights like you describe. Sometimes all it takes to have a breakthrough is changing up the way we do things.
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