Thursday 4/2, Modern

In class today, we worked with the power of gravity today and the idea of breaking the rules. We did a relaxation exercise on the ground, surrendering to gravity, then filling the body with breath in expand and exhaling all the air out to contract. We stayed with this idea for a while until they were all expanding different body parts into the air and then melting into the ground.

We then talked about the differences between their experiences with ballet so far and how the pioneers of modern dance came along and broke those rules and aesthetics. We felt our pelvis, its weight and ways to move it. We then did a simple Limon plie exercise in second with arms and torso carving out the space. Once they learned it on their own, I had them mirror a partner and gave them permission to use the exercise as inspiration, but to break the rules if desired. They all did their own plie exercise by mirroring their partner.

We then worked toe, ball, heal, prancing in place in parallel. We talked about absorbing shock as we rum across the floor. The class then move to the corner and ran on the beat, two by two on the diagonal. The second step was to run, holding hands on the diagonal for 8, then split and run around a big half circle for 8 to rejoin hands by 1. We went every 8 counts and then every 4, having them pay attention to spacial awareness.

Finally, we ran across the room randomly, starting in a small shape and exploding into a large shape while screaming! I wanted them to break out of their shells and know that it's safe to try new things.

Both classes were totally on board and seemed to have a great time. I encouraged them to not sit in a way that shrinks their spine while they are waiting for class to begin. Louis will teach them a sun salutation and I would like to encourage them to either lie on the ground, hang up-side-down, or do sun salutations before class begins and while we are taking role. If we all enforce it it might sink in. We could also add other options if they arise.

: )
Jamie