week three, translation task
We started this week by getting into a single file line in our groups, with the person at the front of the line facing forwards and the rest facing away from them. The first person would receive a word such as 'heavy' or 'itchy' which would be the focus of inspiration for 8 counts of movement. Once the first person had created their count of 8, the second person to turn around and were given two chances to watch the short phrase and try to remember it. They would have to relay the phrase that they remembered to the third person, but would only be given one chance, and this process would repeat until you reached the final person in the line. The first and final person would then complete the phrase next to each other and we observed any changes that were made as the phrase was passed along the line. Once everyone had had a go being at the front of the line, we were left with four phrases, each with an 'original' and 'adapted' version. We then had to structure them in a way which would work for group choreography, exploring interesting ways to layer the 'original' and 'adapted' phrase and adding devices such as retrograde and fragmentation to create a compelling and intriguing piece.
In my group, we experimented with using canon, showing the development of the phrase as it passed along each of us and also creating some striking patterns by changing formation as we did so. I think that our piece would be even more impactful with more rehearsal of these moments of canon, making sure each person was certain of their counts to ensure the dynamics and effect of each movement was powerful enough for the audience. Furthermore, we also included accumulation to build the intensity of the movement as each of us joined in, transforming a previously simple movement into to something more eye-catching once the whole group was performing the same phrase.
Here is the video of our completed phrase: https://youtu.be/c5u0yJ6t0nQI found seeing how we developed using words to initiate movement, into a task based on memory and interpretation of a phrase, to be really exciting and inspiring. Last week I found using words as a source of inspiration to be the most beneficial to me, but this week allowed me to explore how that technique could be taken even further and has made me think about how I could replicate a task like this during the group choreography process - perhaps with longer phrases of movement, or less time to learn them.
I really like the amount of detail you have inserted in this blog post. Furthermore, the structure of your blog is exceptionally clear, so I have a full understanding into what tasks you were assigned to do. Is there a reason why your group chose the choreographic devises of cannon and accumulation? Why do you think these specific devises worked best within your piece?
ReplyDeleteThankyou Lucy. Our group chose to use canon and accumulation as they were techniques that allowed us to demonstrate the growth and development of each phrase, building their intensity and impact with each repetition. We also felt that using canon in different formations would allow us to create some unique patterns, such as when we were in a single file line dramatically changing from a high to low level as we reached up with our arms and then down and out into a lunge. I feel as though these devices worked best with our piece because they allowed us to show how the impact of a certain movement can be increased with the addition of dancers and the variation of timing in which they are performed.
DeleteThis blog is highly detailed, clearly explaining your thoughts and opinions on this weeks task. I loved watching your completed phrase and how you used choreographic devices to develop your piece. If you were to do this task again, what would you do differently? And what other choreographic devices could you use to develop this phrase even further?
ReplyDeleteThankyou! If I were to do this task again I think I would have spent longer refining the canon sections so they had a greater impact and looked more intentional, rather than looking like a timing issue. I would also maybe try coming up with transitional movements that followed a theme like our main movements did, so that they were more unique and still as engaging. To develop our phrase further, I think it would have been interesting to try retrograde, particularly with the sections that are in canon, as I think some striking patterns would unfold seeing the movement pass between us one way and then back again in reverse.
DeleteI enjoyed reading your thoughts and how you materialised your ideas into movement using this choreographic method. Did you feel you outgrew the initial words of influence, like "heavy" or "itchy", as you developed further into the task combining the original and adapted phrases? If so, was there a new word of focus created from the process?
ReplyDeleteThankyou Louisa. During the creative process we didn't consciously change our words of focus, however watching back our sequence, I feel as though 'longing' became a prominent theme of our movement. Our extended and flowing movements, such as reaching our arms out in front of us and leaping forward as if we are trying to catch Megan when she runs in front of us, shows a sense of desperation and reaching to be with one another, which is an emotion we didn't initially intend to convey.
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