Practicing the Breakfast Club dance in the theatre

In today's dance rehearsals we were working on the use of the spacing and setting of the dance piece with the transitions in the theatre.One of my strengths from being in the theatre to practice and work on the piece is my use of travelling. For example, I had to work on my travelling of the transitions of each section that I am in to travel and go off the stage. The use of moving more with the movement will help me travel more with where I want to get to(which would be off the stage very efficiently and smoothly). Travelling in the Breakfast Club dance piece is seen as one of the key essentials within the dance. Travelling also has to be used to gt us from and to off stage as well. Especially, when we are using it in release technique(to travel with it and to use the movement to release with it. It helps with the attitudes and the choreographic intention of the dance.

Another strength that I noticed from using the theatre in my dance studies during rehearsal time is my extensions in my legs. For example, one way of how this is shown is through by the movement such as the needle jump and the straddle jump that I am lifting my legs to shown extension. Which I am portraying within the dance. Extensions are helping me with the technical field of contemporary dance and with release technique. As, this is known for the suspension and the field that it chooses to carry out using the torso and the centre of the gravitational pull and force of the centre.

The last strength that I have noticed is my use of adapting to the use of the space for the dance piece, "The Breakfast Club". For example, one way of how this was applied was through the use of being able to travel more(if I thought I would not be able to get to or to reach out more if I was too far from my partner/dancers around me). Adapting to any sort of the space which is applicable towards me as a dancer. But towards dancers as a whole within doing dance pieces.

One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is being able to get into the right position of the image that I am suppose to get into. For example, one illustration of how this was represented is through by me being too far in one of the images that was projected on the projector for me to get into. One way of how I could work on getting into the images is by going through a path that I am going to travel into the position. Furthermore, making sure that I am travelling enough to get into the position.

Another weakness that I noticed is the use of my projection of facial expressions of the images. One way of how this is explored is through my use of eye-line and looking more up and forward towards the audience or the angle that the picture is positioned. Which demonstrates the technicalities of placement of body in the correct dance stance.

The last weakness that I noticed is my use of facial and emotional expressions. For example, one way of how this was illustrated is through by me needing to match with the facial expressions. The use of having self efficient facial expressions are seen as the key essential within my dance performance. By practicing the dance more with my eye level above and towards the audience. Also, to showcase energy and also expression within the face which correspond with the movement.

Class rehearsal on revelations

In today’s dance class and rehearsals we were going over each section of which we are doing for revelations such as the fan dance, revelations (beginning section) and sinnerman. Within revelations we have to move through the space and use our whole body including the centre of the torso when doing contractions. Which is one of the key elements of technique that we have to apply to revelations. Alvin Ailey represents this as one of the most important parts within revelations (to show isolations through the movement of contracting and using suspension within the jumps and extensions). That are required within sinnerman the most. As, it is a very fast pace dynamic section of Revelations (it is uplifted and the movements are very explosive and contained). It represents on how Alvin Ailey wants the African American culture to be given the chance to do the same opportunities and chances that the western culture have. It is a journey that black African American's are going through. They were segregated and degraded from the western culture. During, where Alvin Ailey lived Ailey felt entrapped within the western culture. Due to how this culture thought they are more superior and impower of other cultures. Ailey wanted to show through Revelations that everyone should have the same opportunities. 

One of my strengths from Revelations is applying my technical skills that are required for contemporary dance such as leg extensions. For example, one way that this was applied was within the section of sinnerman section when I project my body by extending my legs in the air. Extensions is meant to be shown within Revelations to represent on how we are searching, reaching and looking out for freedom. Using extensions within the solo dance that I have in sinnerman is to show poetic and artistic qualities that are meant to be emphasised and expressed within Revelations. 

Another strength that I have noticed within Revelations is my turn out position(the placement of my feet). One way that this is being represented is through by in the beginning of Revelations when we had to go into a releve position with our feet in a turn out position. Going into a turn out position represents how we are using the contemporary dance technique to go through Alvin Ailey's movements. 

The last strength that I have noticed is my projection of the movement explored within Alvin Ailey's piece. For example, in the beginning section of Revelations I was using my movements to represent and show that I am struggling and in pain searching and looking for freedom. Alvin Ailey expected us to use the movements to represent a path that we are going through. In terms of applying the stylistic qualities that are meant to be in Alvin Ailey's dance piece. 

One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is my lack of character within the piece. For example, my movements are exploring and showing that I am suffering looking for a way out. One way of how I can improve and work on my character is through looking at the videos of revelations and the self recorded video of myself in Revelations to compare to see how I can apply more character within my movement and through the performance. 

Another weakness that I have noticed is using more emotion through Alvin Ailey's work. For example, I should represent within my facial features that I ease with breathe through the music and that the illustration of suffering is explored and that there is weight on my shoulders that I am carrying out within the world through my dance. 

Learning the transitions for the dance

In today's dance class practice and rehearsals we were learning and practicing the transitions for the piece that we are working on. In the transitions of the piece included aspects of floorwork, key motifs that have been used and explored throughout. Also, release technique that has been notified as the key contemporary dance technique that we have to apply through our movement and performance based on the stimulus of the dance.

One of my key strengths that I have noticed is the use of the clarity of the dance movements. For example, one aspect of how this has been performed is through using the right technique of release and applying it within my dance piece. Some of the main technical areas of release technique in contemporary included suspension and also allowing your body to drop and to suspense and using more of the upper part of your torso which that is needed to be used throughout. The strong use of having alignment and posture helps me with performing the correct technique of release and free.

Another strength that I have depicted through myself dancing is my alignment of my legs and arms. For example, one way of how this is presented is through the swings and suspension that I do within the dance. By having a strong alignment with my arms and legs further on helps me with my use of technique of which is needed within the dance. It is presented as the main aspect within the success criteria of the dance.

The last strength that I have noticed is my use of extensions with my legs and arms that has been applied within the release technique style of contemporary. For example, one way of how this is all shown is through by going into the needle and the cartwheel jump(which my legs are placed  further out of each other-into a straddle jump while holding my hands on another dancer). By using my extensions within the piece has helped not only with release technique but also the other technique.

One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is the use of my suspension when releasing in the dance. For example, one way that this is presented is when we do the swings which is needed to include suspension while the swing is being performed. We also have to jump when we swing our arms to the side. In order to present release and suspension within the dance. One way of how to work on my suspension is by practicing more release technique exercises.

Another weakness that I have noticed and have explored is my use of emotion and character within the dance. For example, one way of how that this was explored within the dance is through by not making enough eye contact when performing in front of my teacher or a peer. One way of how I can work on my facial expressions is my directing my energy to one person within the audience or to spot above the mirrors in the dance studio which will allow me to be working on my eye-line and making eye-contact within the audience.

Fan section of Revelations

In today's dance class rehearsals we were going over the dynamics and the facial features that has to be applied to the fan section of Alvin Ailey's dance, "Revelations". It explores the attitudes such as salvation and redemption from living in a vast majority of a white westernised American culture. The exploration of the redemption within the fan section demonstrates on how that black African American women are seen as inferior towards the whole majority of the dominant white American Culture. As, Alvin Ailey wanted to explore on how that African Americans are not treated fairly and equally compared to the rest. This demonstrates on how that Alvin Ailey wanted to prove the assumptions made by White Americans and compose on an challenge through movement that he wanted to explore on. It is the transformation of an social progression from slavery towards freedom and salvation. This section has been described as the dancers desire for deliverance which has been composed on the heart and struggle. Which becomes explored by the  substantial choreography and graphical image that  the dancers are projecting. The fact that there is nine dancers in this section represents a unity and collective of dancers that want to explore representing their race beneath inspection. This section involves gospel high chanted music that all of the dancers performed in.

One of my strengths within this section is the clarity of the movements. For example, I was able to explore this in the means of demonstrating and performing the movements accurately. Also, demonstrated it to a sufficient good degree. By performing the movements in front of the dance studio with the mirrors has helped me present and show my movements more accurately. For example, there are constant balances that speak out the reaching and the aiming of freedom and salvation that the all the dancers want to receive.

Another strength that I have is my use of turn-out. For example, one way that this was explored and demonstrated is through my left leg raising in a releve (demonstrating the turn out position that needs to be applied while our leg being extended and pointed when slowly rising it up). The use of the turn out position is very important when applying it. For instance, of which is very applicable towards the techniques in Revelations that we are learning such as Graham and Horton technique.

The last strength that I have noticed is my placement of my arms and legs. For instance, one way of how this was demonstrated is through making sure that my legs and arms are in line and that they are also in a turn out position. By checking the placement of my arms and legs I am using the dance studio mirrors when recording myself performing the dance. Producing and showing that I am doing and have alignment and further extensions within my legs. Which is demonstrated as one of the key themes and essentials of Alvin Ailey's dance works. Furthermore, the use of Alvin Ailey's extensions are being used to portray a dynamic choreography. Which stimulates a speak of truth and assurance in the faith that they share within the Christianity religion that Alvin Ailey is represented by.  

One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is my use of timing. For example, one way that this was shown is through not always reaching the same counts to get into the next movement which everyone is already in. One way of how I can improve on my timing is by self recording myself doing and performing the dance regularly. Also, to go through 8 counts of each movement/phrases while listening to the music to help me identify with the correct counts and rhythmic features which the dance  explores and touches upon throughout.

Another weakness that I have noticed is my use of character within this section. For example, the dancers in this section are meant to show representations of searching and aiming towards having a new life which contains baptism which is illustrated as a form of salvation. One aspect of how I can improve on my use of character is by looking at the video of the fan section. To find out the dancer within the section that I am playing to see and capture how there facial expressions and character is applied. Then, I should self-record myself to see how I have made improvements.

The last weakness that I have noticed is my use of isolation's within the dance. For example, one way of how this was shown is through when we had to isolate our head whilst holding the fan in front of us. When doing the isolated tilt of our head to represent the technique influences of graham technique that Alvin Ailey thought was crucial within his piece of dance. I am going to be working and improving on my use of isolation's within the dance is by practicing exercises of graham technique i.e. deep stretches/prances.

Practicing Sinnerman section of Revelations

Within our practical dance class time rehearsals we have been working on the trio section of Sinnerman. This section explores the concept of baptism, which is represented as a form of salvation. Alvin Ailey uses this within his dance as a form of being saved by "God" and making sure that you go to heaven. Some of the main aspects that we have to include within Sinnerman is extensions, suspension, contractions and isolation's within our body. In addition, that the movements are done in the right placement. The beginning of Sinnerman explores on how the African Americans are restricted and feel some sort of entrapment as though they are trapped in a cage or an box. Furthermore, when the first solo within Sinnerman begins it explores the African Americans being free and are living very happy in doing what they want to do. Some of the dynamic features and qualities of the dance requires us to be very upbeat and energetic corresponding with the music.

One of the strengths that I have noticed is my use of expression within the dance piece. For example, one way that this was explored is through how I was showing my character throughout the dance. As, someone who is trying to escape within the painful reality of  living within an westernized white American Culture and atmosphere. In addition, the solo can connote on how that one person is able to break out of the chain of the trio to do their own personalized thing and break free. The use of facial expression has allowed me to show more passion and expression within Sinnerman.

Another strength that I have noticed is my leg extensions. For example, this was explored within sinnerman as I applied it to my leg extension turns and use the form of gravity. In order, to allow my extensions to move and take me to places. Which I wanted to explore within "Sinnerman". Long arm and leg extension was seen as the key aspect which Alvin Ailey applied to his dance works. The use of my high releases and extensions represented within this piece to explore the reaching out for freedom. Each extension that I used is represented within this piece to finish the path of getting freedom.

The last strength that I have noticed is my placement and clarity of movements. For example, one way of how this was explored is through by performing the leaps and turns within sinnerman in the right turn out and placement of where the movement is meant to be performed on stage and placed within the correct. One element that is helping me with the clarity of the movement is practicing it with the mirrors within the dance studio to help with the positioning of arms and legs.

One of the weaknesses that I have recognised is the use of my contractions. For example, this was explored within the isolated movements such as the lunge contraction movement. This needed incorporation of graham technique which is meant to be represented within Alvin Ailey's work. One way of how I can improve and work on my contractions is by practicing more of graham technique exercises such as footwork with spirals and contractions or graham plies.

Another weakness that I have noticed is my finishing of the movements. For example, one element of how this was presented is through by rushing some of the movements i.e. when we go into the box splits into the turn. As, I need to make sure that I am not rushing through the movements or that I am going too slow and unable to keep up with the counts. One way of how I am going to be improving on this is by practicing the movements in the section and make sure that I finish the movements in time with the music.

The last weakness that I have noticed is my timing within this section. For instance, within the sinnerman section we all as dancers need to have good stamina within this section. We have to make sure that we are moving quickly. As, the dynamics of this dance is very quick and sharp whilst having the contemporary elements of suspension. One element of how I am going to be working on my timing is by self-recording and evaluating on my timing to see if I am musically moving with the music.

evaluation of rehearsals

In today's dance class rehearsals we were working on the second image from the 80's film (The Breakfast Club). Which consists on us using the release dance technique that meant to be conveyed ans illustrated within the dance piece. The dance piece is meant to be uplifted and upbeat. The essence of the dance that we need to explore is a sense of us illustrating that we are conforming/rebelling through the rules. Which needs to  be explored through the dynamic field of every movement.

One of the strengths that I have noticed is the use of my suspension within the dance. For example, this is being conveyed through the use of my contact movement when I lean on another dancers leg while jumping and suspending my left arm and leg. With he use of a clear elevation and extension between both my arm and leg. Suspension within the dance piece would help me with core and upper body within the dance. Furthermore, that it would help me with my jumps and leaps.

Another strength that I have depicted from the dance is  my sensitivity to other dancers. For example, this has been represented through by watching out the space and being awareness of my spacial surroundings. During class time rehearsals that I do a pathway of where I am suppose to be moving and travelling throughout the dance. The use of spacial awareness between the dancers around me has helped with self- application as a dancer. Also, it allows me to demonstrate the health and safety precautions as an dancer.

The other strength that I have recognised is the clarity of movements and technique that has been applied to my dancing. For instance, one element of how that this is represented is through by performing a large repertoire of movements with the infusion of release technique conveyed in contemporary dance. By making my movement clear has helped me with accuracy of technique that is applied to every movement.

One of my weaknesses that I have recognised within the dance rehearsals is the use of my connection with the music. For example, this has been conveyed through how I need to connect my movement with the music. Which is illustrating how I need to present and display the movement in a much faster dynamic speed with the convention of clean and clear self-enhancement and expression.

Another weakness that I have noticed is styling the movement that has been given to me when performing. One element, of how this is explored is by the characteristics and features of quick, sharp and release/suspension within the dance. One way of how I can improve on the styling of the dance is by practicing techniques such as improvisation in the dance styles that we are studying. Then, at the end of the improvisation that I should self-record myself doing the dance. To see and explore if I have gradually made any improvements with the styling and the use of my body.

The last weakness that I have identified is not being self- recorded enough in dance to evaluate on my performance. By not being videoed enough has not allowed me to self reflect on what I need to do in order to make the dance more dynamic and to the standard that this dance is meant to be showing with release. For instance, by self-recording myself at the end of each lesson will allow me to recognise that my body movement and arms are being conveyed to the full extension that this dance is meant to be represented by.

Learning fan section of "sinnerman"

In today's dance rehearsals we were starting to learn the fan section of "Revelations" which is being used to correspond on how there is a journey through the African American spiritual music and dancing. Which is being communicated through all African American females dancing in this section. It explores the revenue of how the dancers are trying to face the struggles of being in a harsh American  culture. It explores on the contemporary dance in a modern form that is suited with the influence of gospel music. It forms a conduct of being transported from one place to another with the influence of its artistry stylistic qualities of salvation and searching out to find hope and freedom within a consolidated society. It is an exploration of grief and joy being explored through the dynamic features of a sense of strain and weight that has been lifted amongst the dancers.

One of my strengths that I have noticed is my use of the turn out position. For example, one way of how this is presented is when we slowly sit on our stalls in the second position. As, I was using my plie to gradually get into the position. To show the use of my contemporary dance technique that has been applied through the dance of "Revelations. The use of my plie will help with the whole use of the upper body(torso) that is being used within all of Alvin Ailey's dance work. The use of the upper body in Alvin Ailey's work is illustrated that the dancers are trying to look out for light or a spark of hope which they are looking up towards.

Another strength that I have recognised is my use of arm lines and arm extensions. For instance, one way that this is being conveyed is through extending both of my arms and with the use of the prop, "the fan". I have demonstrated connection with the use of the prop to show the enhanced meaning of how the dancer has so much weight on their shoulders. The fan is being used as an element of an barrier which they are trying to escape from. Which they are trying to convey out  with the fan. The yearning of struggling within an American culture has has come to life through the use of movement.

The last strength that I have recognised is my leg turn out and extension. For instance, this is displayed through extending my right leg and my left is bent(in a lunge on the stall). The significance of having leg extensions in Alvin Ailey's dance piece is Alvin Ailey wants to explore on how life is a struggle and it can disinherit you to move forward. The influence of the music has allowed me to explore the sense of not giving out and reaching as high as possible.

One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is my use of timing within the dance piece. For example, one way of how this is being explored is through spending too much time on some of the movements such as when lifting the fan up and going around in a circle on the stall with the fan. An improvement on how I can work on my timing is through by moving with the beats of the music. Which can be worked on by self recording myself at the end of each lesson for six weeks to recognise on how that my timing has improved. My body needs to be allowed to feel to the music.

Another weakness that I have noticed is the use of my dynamics. For example, I need to explore the whole concept of how that the essence of this section is that once you have been baptized. It shows that you have been submerged and entered into an new life. The beauty of "Revelations" is meant to captivate us in an sense of how in a new life that all you ever choose to seek for is an sense of hope and forgiveness from God.

The ;last weakness that I have noticed is my use of self-expression within this section of "Revelations". For example, one way that I have not included in self-expressions is the means of using my face to explore the characteristics and meanings to how that you should not run away from your own salvation. My facial features needs to have the energy of how that the African Americans should be able to state their own opinions and self-express on who they are and what they are going through as the African American citizens that they are.

self reflective note of dance rehearsals

In today's dance class we were learning new sequence in our groups of trios and duets with the infuse of release and contemporary dance technique. One of my strengths was my use of flexibility with the influence of my extensions in my arms. For instance, one way of how this was applied was through when I had to lift my left arm while doing a press up jump in the air(with the help of legs extended out).

Another strength that I have noticed is the use of my core muscles. For example, one way of how this was applied through the use of being able to keep my posture straight and higher up. Furthermore, to also sustain my jumps and turns more by the help of my core. Which furthermore helped me with my use of control and balance within the dance piece. As, it uses a lot of the attitudes that come from that.

The last strength that I have noticed is the use of my coordination. For example, the use of my coordination was applied through being able to place my arms and legs in the correct position. Practicing the dance sequence with the mirrors has helped me with my coordination of my arms and my legs. It has significantly helped me with the placement within the dance sequence. Therefore, it is helping me with the clarity of the movements.

One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is the use of my mood and facial features applied to performances. For example, when I am performing and dancing I am focusing more on the movements than applying my facial expressions within the dance. One way of how I could improve on this is through using the mirror more within the dance studio to check if I am applying those faical features and expressions within the dance. By applying facial features to the dance will change the whole concept and meaning of the dance.

Another weakness that I have identified is my timing. For example, there are some movements such as swinging on the floor or a fast upbeat high jump. It is shown that I am not doing the movements with a faster dynamic. One way of how I can improve on my timing is by practicing more on the choreography and working on my dance and working out the dynamics and interpretation of each movement.

The last weakness that I noticed is my posture. For example, when we have to extend our right leg and lean towards the left side. The use of the parallel position within going into the suspension/off balance movements. One way of how I can improve on my posture is to do more plie/core exercises which helps me with my posture which will allow my jumps and turns to be more clear.

Overview of applying release technique

Today in dance class during the rehearsal process I was working on my use of release dance technique. As, I was applying and doing practice release technique exercises to help me go into the release jumps and turns that were being presented and performed. The extreme influence of applying release technique in contemporary is significantly important as it demonstrates my technical and interpretative skills as well as the performance skills such as facial expressions and use of high release with projection.

Another strength during the class rehearsals is my use of contemporary dance technique  applied to my work. For example, one aspect of how I applied the use of contemporary technique is by performing turns such as attitude and cartwheel turns. As, I was able to perform the movements with a good degree of accuracy and clarity. This signifies on how I am able to have a good placement of where my arms and legs are suppose to be positioned. Furthermore, this could show on how I am confident within what I do. As, confidence is one of the key essentials and quality that any dance requires of.

Furthermore, other strengths that in my rehearsals is my use of leg extensions. For example, this is presented when I have to lift my leg in a needle position on the floor and performed the cartwheel jump. This was represented as an strength as I have been going to extra dance classes to work on my flexibility. Also, I have been stretching regularly to work on my flexibility and position/angle of my legs.

One of my weaknesses that I have noticed is my use of facial features. For example, during class rehearsals I am not sure of how I am able to apply my facial features towards my movements. One element of how I am meant to be improving on this is by doing more auditions and dance shows. As, that would help me develop on my facial features and mood which will be reflected and adaption within the dance piece.

Another weakness that I have noticed is my spacial awareness around the dancers around me. For instance, I would make my movements too big or travel too much whilst being surrounded by the dancers around me. One way of how I can improve and work on this is by doing a path of where I am meant to be(the area of space I use and to self-record myself at the end of each dance lesson). To see how I am using the space.

The last weakness that I have noticed is my use of memory of dance combinations. For example, in class rehearsals when I am taught a movement sometimes I am getting the combination of the movement not correctly i.e. step right, left back right left. One way and element of how I can improve on this is by going through the movements in small sections i.e. every 8 counts go through and define the movement(movement clarity).

Unit 46) Applying Contemporary Dance

Analyzing strengths and weaknesses of "pilgrim of sorrow" section

In dance rehearsals one of the identifications of the strength in this piece is the general shape of the dance. For example, the formations of the piece is reflective to the one that we had to see of this section of "Revelations". At the beginning there was a use of space between all of us as dancers. Which was expected for Revelations, as Alvin Ailey's intentions was for the dancers to reach out and use elements such as extensions to see how far they can go. To what extent that they can aim for. The extensions within Alvin Ailey's work signifies on how African Americans were having a struggle of not being considered or treated as fairly and equally. Alvin Ailey wanted to explore the entrapment and isolation in which that he knew that he had experience within his childhood.

Another strength which was recognisable is use of plies. For example, in the beginning of the section when we had to bend down in a lunge in second position using arm extensions. Which could connote on how there is this foreboding effect of there being a barrier of the dancers being able to reach and come out of the box. This creates the whole idea of how that there is no way out. As, the movements are very contained as it demonstrates an attitude of having a certain limitation. Which Alvin Ailey had thought that he had.

The last strength that I noticed within us practicing the dance is the relationship between everyone as dancers. For example, I explore the attitudes of unity with the surroundings of all the dancers. Which is one of Alvin Ailey's key aspects of the dance is the use of unity and unison. To show that all of us as dancers are together as one. It explores the concepts and attitudes of how if one person does not do it at the same time it does not seem as a whole. The use of unity symbolises a force of protest which Alvin Ailey wanted to explore within the dance. He wanted to demonstrate on how Black African Americans were treated nothing but animals. The reason why he wanted to modern dance and the hardship of slavery and going to church to build and create an story.

One of the weaknesses that I have noticed is the placement of my arms. For example, when we had to put our arms up on a straight line when were in first position. Not all of us had our arm in the right placement, some of our arms were too high up or very low down. One way of how I can improve the placement of my arms is by doing exercises such as putting my arms in first position and second position within the contemporary dance style. Also, doing this while using the mirrors in the dance studio would help with placement of the arms.

Another weakness that I have identified is the use of dynamics. For example, when I was doing the turns I need to use more control and be counting out of when I do the turns. This shows that when practicing my movements within the dance that I need to sustain the movements more. In addition, making sure that the movements are sustained and a good use of the core and torso. That was required within Alvin Ailey's dance piece.

The last weakness that I have identified is my use of timing within the piece. For example, I was behind when we had to do the repetition of the motif in the beginning. As, I was drawing through my movements. This demonstrates on how I was rushing some of the movements or I was doing some of the movements on more counts than others. The use of the repetition of the motif shows more of a symbolic element of restriction and containment. As, the movements become more drained out. One element of how I can improve on my timing is by going through the first section in different parts and doing eight counts at a time. To help structure with the timing and the clarity of the movements.