self reflective note on dance rehearsals for Alvin Ailey

Today in dance class we were exploring the concepts and attitudes of Revelations within the section of "pilgrim of sorrow". This section we had to discover the continuous journey of how Revelations tells a story of how African Americans have faith and are trying to seek out for help and forgiveness. Which forebodes on some of the key elements and themes such as a shift from freedom to slavery. Through us as the dancers presenting the emotions and the feeling towards the whole dynamical aspect and field of wanting spiritual healing and forgiveness from God. On the contrary, feel imprisoned and trapped within a white western American atmosphere and environment. For example, when I had to reach out with my right arm while going into a lunge in second position. To show how I am using key elements of Alvin Ailey's dance of extensions. Which I am using to suggest on how that I have to demonstrate the persecution of the movement and that I am using the movement to search out for forgiveness and hope for  the best within the world.

In the section, "pilgrim of sorrow" I showed demonstrations of Alvin Ailey's technique(i.e. Graham technique). For example, I presented this when going into the attitude position turn which we had to sustain with balance and control. Which are known as some of the key aspects of Alvin Ailey's dance. Alvin Ailey included several off-balance turns and holds. It builds on the whole idea of modern dance that is incorporated through the Horton modern dance technique. Which Alvin Ailey thought that it was essential to include within his dance work. The section of this dance work has explained how there is a life cycle which starts from birth then later on enters into death. That Alvin Ailey explored from incorporating baptism and church services that he went to and experienced within his life time.

Another element that I presented in this section is my use of gravity. For example, this was shown when I had to use the other dancers weight to suspend my whole body. While, holding onto their hands and extending my legs out. This was to represent on how that I am using the centre of my body to hold my weight. Such as, my torso and inner core. Having the use of the centre of my body is known as an very important part of Alvin Ailey's dance piece with the incorporation of modern dance technique which was applied.

In the this section,  I could of used more elevation within this section. For example, this was presented when I was going into the attitude position. The turn could of been presented with more of an higher lift within my turn. One way of how I can improve my use of elevation is by practicing more of the contemporary exercises such as plies and raises to help with my hold within the hold and sustain of when going into a balance or an off-balanced movement.

Another element that I have recognised for an improvements is my use of facial features towards the whole aspect and dynamical field of the dance. For example, this was presented throughout the first section of the dance when I am having a explorative sense of movement. However, the use of facial features and emotions are not portraying/matching the intention and meaning behind the whole dance. One way of how I am going to be improving on the facial expressions is by auditioning for East London Dance Youth Company. Which would help me build and work on my facial expressions and being able to use them in dance.

Applying contemporary dance work

In today's dance class, we had to explore the attitudes of release technique within the modern dance style of contemporary dance. One of my strengths was extensions through my arms and legs. For example, this was presented when I done my one legged handstand. As, I had to extend my left leg towards the ceiling with my feet pointed. To demonstrate the physical qualities and features of contemporary dance technique.

Another strength that I noticed was my use of dynamics. For example, this was presented when the theme of the dance is the 80's that the movements are meant to be presented as fluent and upbeat/tempo. In relations to the concept of dynamics, the sense of quality perpetuates to the rhythmic field of dynamics that concepts towards the whole dance of the 80's theme base. Which creates elements of different speeds and ongoing tempos of the dance.

My last strength that I noticed was is my use of control when applying the technique. For example, this was represented when i was doing the one handed handstand and the leap jump. While, performing these jumps I had to elements such as spotting where my legs go during that part of the dance sequence.

One of my weaknesses that I noticed was the essence of throwing myself in the dance piece. For example, when going down in first position going down and bending my body towards the front. One way of how I can improve on this is by going to more ballet classes which allows me to use my torso more which will help me go lower when I am applying and using release technique.

Another weakness that I recognised was my use of the gravity which wasn't applied enough to some of my dance. For example, this was shown when I'm doing the one handed handstand that my whole body should be more light and fluent. One aspect of how I am going to be working on this is by using the floor more to go through the movements such as doing more pre release exercises before doing the piece.

Unit 46-Applying Contemporary Dance

Evaluating strengths and weaknesses of performing Alvin Ailey

In today's dance class we were learning and practicing the section of "pilgrim of sorrow" in which we had to use Alvin Aileys stylistic qualities such as extensions and the use of the application of graham technique. Which includes some of the elements i.e. contractions which is key for us to explore through "Revelation". For example, the lunge we do in the beginning in wide second position and our arm is reaching out. I have to demonstrate that the movement explores the connotations and the adaptions of reaching out and searching out towards heaven and escaping the life full of sins. I need to work on and use my plies more when reaching out with my arm. To portray my use of full of extension and the dynamic quality of Incorporated contemporary technique. Furthermore, to decrepitude the beginning of the journey that Alvin Ailey wanted to display. One of my strengths included the use of flexibility. For example, I extended my movement to the furthest that it could go. To show I was able to apply physical qualities of dance for the dance work "Revelations".

Another strength that I noticed was extensions through my arms. For example, this was shown when I had to reach my arm out towards one of the dancers while going into a needle position. Extension could forebode in Alvin Aileys dance that you have to reach so far that you could even feel it in your veins. The other strength that I noticed in the dance is the use of the space. For example, this was explored when I was using my movement to travel within a pathway, not only forwards and backwards. As, for instance Alvin Ailey expected his dancers to be travelling and using the space.

One of my weaknesses that I noticed was timing. For example, I noticed this when that I realized when we had that improvisation of fast like movements that the counts were quick. So, I had to make sure that I was able to follow the counts while completing all of my movements. One way of how I could work on timing is video recording myself at the end of each lesson to see if im following the dance rhythmically and fluently.

Another weakness that I noticed was my use of musicality. For example, this was noticed when I started doing the first part of the sequence, "pilgrim of sorrow" I was rushing when I was extending my arm in a plie second position. It was presented that I should go with the music, representing the pain and sorrow that the dance piece is attending on the dance section. As, the section is being explored more pain should be released through the movements.

How I applied contemporary dance technique in my dance work

One of the strengths that I applied in my contemporary dance is the use of release technique. For example, when I was in first position when I had to suspense my whole body towards the front. One of the main applicants in applying release technique is to throw yourself(allow your body to let go). My release technique has improved by practicing more release technique exercises and evaluating myself through looking at the mirrors in the dance studio to see if I am applying the technique. Of which that is required in the dance work/piece.

Another strength that I had was my use of strong lines. For example, when going in a diagonal turn my arms are in a diagonal and it is straight. Also, I am using suspension when I am turning to create more of an diagonal turn/spin. I have been working on my turns by practicing more turns and jumps in the dance studio to help me with my suspension. Which is one of the key elements that I need to apply to release technique movements and exercises.

Furthermore, one of the key identifications that I picked out through my class rehearsal is my use of extending through my movements. For example, this was shown through doing the reaching out lunge with extensions of my arms. This suggests that I am presenting aspects of release technique and fluency.  This is because I have been working on my strength through my arms by practicing exercises such as turns and side leaps.

One of my weaknesses that I noticed was rushing through some of the movements. For example, in the beginning when I was doing the cartwheel jump,  I rushed during the jump, as I am suppose to flow through the jump and to follow the movement through my legs and arms. The jump is suppose to have suspension in it(as aspect of release technique that is required).

Another weakness that I captured was sense of mood. For example, this was presented when I am showing the movements with the correct use of technique and extensions. However, the feeling and meaning of the dance through my facial features was not captured. One aspect of how I am going to improve on this is by recording myself regularly and practicing the dance in the mirror to see how I can apply the facial aspects.

Self evaluation of Alvin Ailey, "sinnerman"

One of the strengths that I had was my extensions through my legs and arms. For example, this was shown when I was doing the leaps and the leg kicks, I was applying the stylistic qualities of Alvin Aileys dance work, "Revelations". The extensions that I showed in Alvin Ailey's work suggests and implies how you have to try and reach for hope and salvation. Hope was the only way you will be able to escape is to reach out and ask God for forgiveness of all problems and mistakes that us humans have done. Which Alvin Ailey is trying to present and shown through Revelations.

Another strength that I had was flexibility. For example, my use of flexibility has helped me with my jumps and turns. Having good flexibility is an very important part of Alvin Ailey's dance work, "Revelations". Flexibility is one of Alvin Ailey's key stylistic qualities for Revelations. Of which this helps out with the clarity of lines through the arms and legs. Furthermore, by having long lines through the legs and arms it enhances the movement that is being carried out to an extent. One of the purposes of Alvin Ailey's dance is that you have to go out to a place where you can not feel comfortable anymore. It emphasizes of how in my movements that all movements should be carried out to an degree.

In addition, the other strength that I have noticed is my strength. For example, this was shown through having leg strength in my leaps. Strength is one of the key aspects as dancing to "Revelations". To explore a clear communication of divinity and power through the most humanly for possible. Having good strength has helped me maintained and have good control. My control helps with other areas such as my extensions and flexibility.

One of the weaknesses that I had is my use of contraction. For example, this was represented through the lunge push out movement. Contraction is apart of Alvin Ailey's stylistic qualities(contraction is Graham technique) that we have to apply to Revelations. I have to improve on my contraction through using the centre of my body more and to push out the body's sense of gravity.

Another weakness that I had is my use of upper body. For example, this was shown when I done the side leaps, which I needed to use my upper body. By me improving on my upper body, such as working on my leaps and jumps will help me with my use of gravity. The key use of upper body is very important for Alvin Aileys work, Revelations and to use also the ballectic lower part of the body. For example, to articulate my feet, to elevate our upper body and etc.

My last weakness that I noticed was my use of fluency. For example, this was represented through me rushing and going through my movements quickly. Apart of Alvin Ailey's stylistic qualties is to go through movements with passion and strength. Every movement has to be explored with the connection of the music and the flow of each movement together as one. The use of fluency will help me with Alvin Ailey's work and to perform it with the degree that it is suppose to be.

Strengths and weaknesses for applying contemporary dance technique

One of my strengths was my use of rhythmical sense while doing the release technique exercise. For example, this was presented as I was able to be able to follow the counts of the dance. Also, being able to go along with the music. Which shows how I have a strong use of musicality through out performing. Furthermore, it establishes that I am easily able to pick up the counts and timing of the sequence

Another strength which I had was physical features. For example, I was able to represent this through being able to perform technique features coming from contemporary dance. For example, leaps, pirouettes, attitude turn and etc. This suggests that going to extra technique classes has really helped my physical features become more improved.

One of the strengths that was represented when applying contemporary dance technique is my use of strength. For example, this was represented as of how I have safety over other dancers i.e. making sure that I lift someone in the right position. Having a good use of strength came from having a strong core. This of which came from practicing core exercises such as planks, crunches and etc.

In contrast, one of my weaknesses was my mood/use of facial features. For example, when practicing the set example of the sequence of release technique. During this practice I was presenting the movements correctly. However, I was not showing any emotion or facial expression during it. One way of how I am going to improve this is by auditioning for the musical, "hairspray" at college. Which will allow me to correspond my sense of mood with the movement within a sequence or a dance piece.

One of my other weaknesses was my use of gravity. For example, this was representing when doing the sequence. As, I did not have enough balance while performing the technical aspects of applying contemporary dance. Such as doing off-balance movements. Through the use of doing this will help me strengthen my legs in order to maintain and sustain balance. In hence to increase the suspension given out. Which is required in release technique exercises.

My last weakness that I captured during class rehearsals is my use of suspension. For example, when I was doing some release technique exercises but I was not throwing myself enough. For this reason I would need to put into the effort of quality required for the execution of the movement. I am going to be improving my use of suspension by practicing jumps from the corner in the dance studio. Furthermore, I am going to use in the mirror in order to help me see if i am heaving myself.

Strengths and Weaknesses of learning rep from "sinnerman" in Revelations

One of my strengths included the use of the stylistic qualities implied into the section, "sinnerman" such as contractions or off-balanced movements. To show how I implied these stylistic features which was required for Alvin Ailey's work. For example, when I'm in the off-balanced "T" position I hold the position in a diagonal line. Also, using suspension which was one of Alvin Ailey's qualities in his work, "Revelations" and also making sure that the movements have long extensions(all the movements are completely finished and the movements are reaching out. Reaching out as if you are reaching for God to forgive you for all of your sins and mistakes that you have done as a person. The use of doing core exercises helped with the off-balanced movement. This is because that in contemporary dance that you have to engage and use your core muscles to hold and sustain off-balance position.

Another strength is my long extensions through my legs and arms(they were shown and represented through the use of finishing every movement). Also, reaching out and aiming for something more that you thought you could not do. This was implied through Alvin Ailey's stylistic qualities. The use of my extensions demonstrated in Alvin Ailey's work portrayed the meaning of how it exhibits the hardship of salvation and reconstruction. The use of me stretching helped with my long extensions. As, my stretching it is allowing your body to slowly progress and reach further through your movements.

Furthermore, another identification of which was good representation of when performing the rep of "sinnerman" is timing. For example, this was presented as of us were in sync with each other. Going with the music in time showing a sense of musicality which is a stylistic quality. Which is meant to be presented in Alvin Ailey's work.

One of my weaknesses is not to be rushing any of the movements and going with the music. For example, throughout the dance some of my movements were not finished i.e. the lunges/reaching out. As, I didn't use enough of Alvin Ailey's stylistic qualities which included extension and contraction. Contraction and extensions are seen as an essential in Alvin Ailey's piece. It suggests that Alvin Ailey wants to use movements in order to reach for God and heaven. God is being used to symbolize a hierarchy to reach up to.

Another weakness that I noticed is my use of space. For example, I was noticing when I was dancing that I was only using a small section of the stage and I was not travelling in a pathway. One way of how I am going to improve is to look in the mirror to see how I am using the spacing while practicing and performing the dance. In order, for my movements to relate back to Alvin Ailey's aspects and portrayal of dance and the technique and emotion behind it.

In conclusion, my last weakness is the use of facial features during the practice of "sinnerman". For example, this was shown when performed the movements with fluency and control. However, not putting the characteristics of hope and salvation of which Alvin Ailey is representing in his dance work.