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.
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