The dancers time magazine

The Dancers time

In dancers time I will be comparing and communicating both pieces of the dance(solo and group piece) and how they both represent and correspond with the original choreographic idea and devices. Which is entrapment and addiction based on the film “trainspotting”.

Solo dance

The structure of my solo dance is in a ternary form with the concept of being abstract. This is illustrated through having section a,b and a which each represent the different stages of emotions and processes of being entrapped and isolated from the society and the community. Section A portrays me being confined and constricted. This is represented through small arm and hand gestures. For example, in the beginning of the piece when I first reach out my finger to the front slowly to show the depiction of searching and willing to discover hope and freedom. Whilst having that edge and panic of wanting to come out and illustrate self determination. In section A there is a metaphorical representation of a box to show how I am trapped in a small compact space. Section A I chose to represent it with energy and make it more dramatic. This was explored through the motif development of when I use arm gestures to portray the movement of reaching towards the ceiling and then going on all fours to create the metaphoric symbolic view of a box. By using the motif development I use contrasting dynamics of the motif beginning more slow and light. By repressing the motif four times and each time the movement is performed to more of a rapid, sharp and fast pace to show the dramatic effect of a representation how being entrapped can effect you both externally and internally.

However, section b is a representation of escaping the entrapment and searching for freedom and hope. This is showed through changing levels from performing floor based movements such as swings and suspending on the floor to show how I am limited and restricted both physically and mentally. One way of how I show that I am wanting to have hope and freedom. Which I present elements of this is by using movements to correspond to it. For example, this is illustrated when I perform the butterfly jump and then I rise on the balls of my feet and pushing my arm towards the ceiling. One of my strengths while doing section b of my solo dance is articulating the emotions that are represented in my solo through facial expressions and movements. For instance, one aspect that portrays it is through my movements being more dramatic and emphasised. This is through suspending more in the air when doing the jumps and the rises using arm gestures of reaching towards the ceiling. This was explored in the beginning of my solo dance when I was extending my hand towards the front. I changed the direction of where my hands were facing when reaching towards the front. This is to show how I am searching for hope and freedom in every possible way. The choreography is expressed through contemporary dance which allows me be more abstract. I'm able to express the theme of the dance entrapment and isolation.

Section c in the ternary structure form of my solo was me going back to the original choreographic idea which was entrapment. For example, I done a Hitchkick jump and drop/fall on the floor using similar hand gestures that I have done in the beginning of the dance. For instance, one of hand gestures that I do is reaching both of my hands towards the right side and contracting/arching my back to the floor. This symbolises how I am wanting to escape the illusion of entrapment but is trapped within it. One of my weaknesses in my solo dance was sometimes I was holding myself back from making it more dramatic about the theme that I am communicating towards the audience about how entrapped I am.

The solo dance was successful in me choreographing it as I was able to work myself. Which I am better with coming up with creative ideas and themes towards the dance. Doing a solo dance allows my ideas to come more across. Whereas, working in a group I was not as able to contribute my ideas as much as my solo. This is because there are other people within a group who also would want to express and share their own ideas.

The filming of my solo dance was not as successful as I wanted it to be. For example, there were times that there should have been more close ups when I was recording my solo which would allow my solo to communicate the idea and choreographic idea of entrapment. The filming was holding me back from my solo reaching its full potential and success that it could have been. If I had the chance to film my solo again I would make sure that there are more close ups and zoom in of my hand gestures that were implying how I am limited and imprisoned in a small space.

My solo dance was site specific because I wanted my solo dance to communicate the idea of entrapment. One of the choreographers who inspired me to do a filmed specific site dance is Lloyd Newson. Site specific solo dance felt different for me when filming it compared to if I performed it live at the theatre.

Group Dance

In the group piece we explore the desperation and addiction of drugs and heroine. This is through the original choreographic idea of addiction based on the film “trainspotting” which we use as our main stimulus. For example, in the beginning  I say a few lines from the monologue within train spotting while doing movements that correspond to the theme. For instance, when I say the line “smother the pain” I use hand gestures to grab my neck to show illustrate how I am showing symbolism of suffering from a drug addiction upstage left. The monologue was performed one after each other(in a cannon). This section also illustrates how we are a unit(how the drug heroine is taking over our whole body. For instance, when all of us relevae on our feet into a lunge towards upstage right. I use sharper and stronger dynamics in the beginning of the group piece to signify how I am trapped both physiologically and mentally by the drug heroine (which is represented as our stimulus of our group dance). One of my strengths of the group piece is having focus and energy when performing. In addition, this was explored by using facial expressions that connotes desperation and hope for freedom through the control of the drug. One of my weaknesses is the beginning of section a when I was slightly off time to some of the other dancers. This is due to slightly being out of time of the music in the beginning of the dance.

In section b there was a contrast in dynamics from section a to b. For instance, in the duet section I use repetition of the arm gestures that signify that signify desperation of heroine and the pain of heroine. The dynamics when doing the duet are more soft, light and free to suggest how you can be free from drugs and  allow yourself to be able to let go. This leads to one of the highlights of the group piece is living Taya which is the high point of drug overdose and addiction. Which shows the cycle of drug addiction reaching to high point of desperation and despair of being addicted. Furthermore, the lift had contrasting dynamics of it being more uplifted and free while feeling externally and internally effected by the drug.

Section c is a contrast with the silent section when there is no use of music that is used in the section. It shows the lowest point of the drug addiction in the cycle and is a moment of realisation. This was performed centre stage. Me and Ebony represent the parallels of the drug addiction. There is a conversation between the two of us(showing aspects of question vs answer). The other dancers were turning away from me and Ebony who are the addicts. The dynamics starts slow then speeds up(relapse) then it goes back to the beginning. It goes back to the choreographic devices of addiction and the chaos of the drug heroine. For example, the dynamics are more chaotic, quick, sharp and out of control. All of us are running which symbolises how the cycle of addiction is starting again and how it is on going. It could be a connotation towards cold turkey we are reaching away from the addiction but are reaching towards the drug. Cold turkey is one of the forms that explore and signify the drug addiction and how it is out of control.

Commentary on Lloyd Newson

Lloyd Newson is the one of the choreographers that has had a main influence in my solo dance and the use of site specific dance pieces. He used the space in a very different and unique way. For example, he uses different pathways and a small amount of space. In order, to portray and illustrate his s his theme and stimulus which was based on families within society(through his influence on spoken word and contact improvisation he is showing all of the struggles that's families are facing in this reality as a whole. For example, this is shown through the use of counter balances and transferring weight onto one another. Through showing the theme and the choreographic intentions of the dance piece. His use of spacing and arm/hand gestures were very inspirational towards my solo dance piece about the concept of entrapment.

Solo dance-off site

The theme of my solo dance is entrapment that is explored in a abstract interpretation of wanting to break free from being trapped and isolated in a small closed space. The off site place allowed me to show the purpose and meaning of actually being trapped and emprisoned from the outside. The structure that I used in my solo is ternary. For example, in section a of my solo was floor work. I used the choreographic devices of repetition of hand gestures in the beginning when I only start reaching out with one finger then reached with two fingers which led to my whole hand reaching towards the whole audience to symbolise how I am showing desperation to escape from entrapment and to have freedom and liberation. The first section shows the first stage/element of entrapment with my hand gestures towards the front and up using gestural movement(which shows an metaphorical symbol of me being trapped in a box. I used dynamic variation when repeating the motif of using different body parts to reach/break out from my invisible metaphorical box that is keeping me held in and trapped. This sequence is repeated 4 times from slow and softer to stronger,sharper and direct. By increasing my intensity and speed this is representing my urge and despair of being trapped contrasting dynamics allows me to do this.

The highlight of my solo is represented in my climax from when I am standing. The dynamics contrast from the beginning. This goes into section B when I am free(I.e. I use traveling movement such as jumps(on a diagonal line reaching and being able to go more further). After the jump I hold a position using hand gestural movement to show and portray stillness. Stillness is used in my dance performance to show a moment of realisation and a pause from being trapped and isolated. Stillness is also used in my dance to show a portrayal of what it feels like to be able to escape and to be free from society. The stillness contrasts with the whole dance as it represents a moment to capture with the pain and despair of being entrapment and not able to reach a certain extent and way through while performing on the off site location in Walthamstow. The relationship with the space allows me to communicate the abstract concept of my dance entrapment and freedom using the style contemporary . In order, to illustrate using the structure of dance in a ternary form in each section of my solo represent stages of entrapment from emotional to physical and how entrapment can effect you mentally and psychologically. Some of the stylistic forms of development included exploring more of the element of the style contemporary dance. For example, basing the first section of the dance on the floor doing floor work that associates with contemporary dance such as doing forward/backward rolls, leg swings, suspending the dance movement to enhance it and make it more dramatic towards the wider audience that I am suffocating from having a closed and entrapped feeling. Contemporary dance allows me to use a dynamic range from leaps to straddle jumps. In order, to communicate and explore the abstract concept of contemporary within my solo.

Group piece

In the group choreography there are different types of expression and emotion that we have to present in our dance. For example, in the ternary dance structure of the piece in section A the monologue a variety of emotions have to presented such as the desperation and desire that we have for the drug heroine. As, addiction is presented as one of our main stimuluses and aspects towards trainspotting. We are searching and trying to find what we need from the drug. The drug heroine enables us to escape from reality and to be able to create our own world. After the monologue in the first section it begins to becom chaotic and explosive with a need and purpose of our addictions(this is explored in union) to show the impact and unity of how drugs can effect us on an emotional level and a psychical
level. The union section represents that we have to go through so many barriers both mentally and physically through the different stages and points of drug addiction.

The second section concept and narrative is representing that the drug also haves a positive affect on us. The high point of the cycle of the drug is explored and showned by lifting Taya which is represented as the highlight and climax of the dance. The climax is escaping the highest point of the drug. In the climax we change the dynamics that we use. For example, in the climax the movement are sharper and jerky. In order to portray the reaching point of the drug that we share a physical and mental relationship with. So, the quality of the movement would be more direct. The diagonal line we go into after lifting Taya explores action vs reaction using contact work. To illustrate how we are manipulated by the drug. When we are being knocked out of the head when Rosemary pushes all of us and we react to it as being  knocked into the head. We as the dancers respond to this as it effects us externally and internally. This goes into the cold turkey which symbolises reaching away from the drug addiction but trying to find a way of not escaping the drug addiction. This was represented when we were in two groups on a diagonal line. To correspond with each other portraying the action vs reaction. We use different levels in the two groups that we are in. In order to show contrasting levels. The motif that we use on the floor reaching out using hand gestural movement represents the satisfaction of the drug.

The silent section symbolises a moment of realisation. We are feeding off people who are going through the drug addiction and were trying to escape and break free from the cycle. Me and Ebony in the silent section use different levels(I'm on my knees and Ebony is standing) which represents the contrast of the drug(the high and the low point of the drug). This illustrates the pros and the cons of the drug(me and Ebony are communicating through our movements-question/answer). The other dancers in this section are the addicts who are addicted. We use contrasting dynamics which starts slow and speed up fast and sharper. Increasing the speed and quality(this explores the relapse) going back to the beginning(section A-ternary structure that explores the cycle of drug addiction). One of the elements that I have to improve on is my use of emotions and expression within the dance piece. Through showing the desperation and depression towards the concept and theme of drug addiction.

solo dance-off site space

I was practicing and rehearsing in the external space in college grounds within Walthamstow shopping mall. The space was very compacted and small which suits the whole concept and theme of my dance which is entrapment. Entrapment is my main stimulus and theme of my solo dance through it showing symbolic views of wanting to escape and feeling emotionally and physically trapped. This is one of the reasons why that I used a smaller space when performing my solo. As, it communicates the message more of entrapment indoors rather than outdoors(as it wouldn't had communicated the message in the same way. Rehearsing in the space had its advantages and disadvantages towards it. For example, some of the disadvantages included being interrupted and stopped by members of the public when rehearsing and recording my piece. For rehearsing and practicing my solo we had to go to Walthamstow mall early in the morning. This is because there would be less people when we are rehearsing. My solo dance was not created in the desired space that I performed the dance. In my solo dance I was mostly rehearsing and practicing the dance in the dance studio. Which is a very big space, and by performing/doing the concept and theme of the dance in the dance studio made me lose the illustration of what the dance piece is meant to present to a wider audience. Which is the idea of how I am trapped and isolated in a very space and I am confined in a world that wants to keep me trapped and not being able to have a source of freedom or agency.

Silent section extended

In the silent section we are using contact work to show the irritation and paranoia of the drug heroine. I am the person in the silent section who is going through the cold turkey. The other dancers are the causes of my reactions, the itch, the irritation. With the duet contact improvisation explores aspects of the cold turkey such as action vs reaction. For example, they correspond with what movement that I do and the pace of that I do the movement in. For instance, when I reach my hand downstage the duet  reacted to my movement and corresponded with slowly reaching their hands towards me with a slower pace using the dynamics of smooth and slower. Then I pushes through the duets from the back of Ebony and Rosemary. I run through everyone using the change in dynamics. Through the speed of the movement being faster and the quality being more stronger and sharper. They follow me after I run exploring how I am trapped through the withdrawals of the drug(symptoms of the cold turkey). I am manipulated as the drug take over my body. This is represented through Ebony being the drug and me being the addict that feeds off her. I try to get free from the drug while Ebony is unable to. This is explored through me using gestural movement of reaching out towards the side and being able to find away to escape from the drug. Using the dynamics more by a slower pace and speed in the beginning of me and Ebony's duet. Ebony has more control of what I am doing. As she is leading me and I am following her.

My solo dance-final

In my dance rehearsals I have been practicing the final version of my solo dance. The strengths of my solo dance is the use of motif development on the floor(in my floor work sequence). I used the choreographic devices such as changing the dynamics of one of my motifs. This included creating a barrier of using my arms to reach towards the ceilings as there is a certain stopping point of when I try to reach towards achieving freedom.Another aspect that I need to improve on for my solo dance is the intention and intensity of the dance(making the dance more dramatic such as using more quality of the dynamics sharp when I finished my floor work) to make it more abrupt and sudden. Getting ready for the climax of the dance when I have to increase my intensity of the movement and intention of the theme entrapment and what it is suggesting towards the whole audience. This can be presented as a gradual build up of intention emphasising each of the movements(i.e. my floor work sequence to be emphasise with the gestural movements/motif of reaching out for freedom and escape from society. Making the dance more dramatic will show more of my theme through one of the stimulus of the music. The song, we disappear by John Hopkins is one of my stimulus that is used to represent how I am unable to get freedom and trapped in a small space. This rehearsal allowed to see what working in a large space would be like towards the theme of my dance. My solo dance would work better in a small space(doing my dance in a large space makes it seems as though that my piece is lost and all over the place).

Feedback from solo dance

Feedback from my solo dance.

The strengths that were illustrated is through showing and demonstrating good expression of what my dance is about and what it is suggesting towards the audience with the theme and stimulus of the music. Another strength that I have is the stop within my dance to portray stillness in my solo dance .One of the improvements that I need to work on is building up more energy and even more intensity with the movement with the help of the stimulus of the music(this can be demonstrated through using more of the dynamics in my movements and portraying them). Building more energy will require using more intensity in the dance by increasing the speed-faster and stronger. In contrast, to when I begin on the floor I use contrasting dynamics decreasing the speed to be slower and softer. I need to be really strong and confident when doing my solo dance. This will require me to be practicing my solo dance more full out. In order, to make sure on what I am doing is is strong. When I am doing my turns I have to make sure that there is sharpness in my head when doing the turns. I will be able to do this by making sure that my head is out of the way through tieing up my hair. This will help me with spotting with my turns. As, I lose balance when doing my turns and going into Demi point. For me to improve on this is through dancing my solo in bare feet and not with socks. Which would allow me to be more balanced in my turns and to be more strong within my dancing. This would allow me to be more strong in my performance and stage presence within the dance.

Going through the group choreography

In our dance class rehearsal we were doing the run through within the A,B,A structure of the dance. We were going through the action vs reaction(of when two groups are dancing and corresponding at moments to each other within the section B of the dance. Section B is exploring the presentation of the drug addiction is significantly effecting the society that we are living in and the impact of which that it effects everyone. This goes into the silence part of the dance when I am morphing through a small pathway within the dance to show how I am trying to reach for freedom in a trapped society. For example, when I am rippling my head facing the centre(the two other dancers also repeated the ripple). Through three of us rippling in the morphed section we were using contact work to show the action vs reaction of heroine. Heroin is an symbolism of being able to escape the modern society. Society effects how we are and how we are able to escape. For the section B of the group dance we changed the direction and facing. By being on a diagonal line facing towards each other to make it more closer. For example, on the floor on the diagonal line when we ripple our arm up we changed the level of the movement.The dynamic we used on the floor was soft and slow to show the stage of how heroin is effecting us physically. The other dancers contrasting the dynamics using sharper and sudden by using gestural movement of strangling your throat(to suggest the hallucinations of the drug-heroine). In order to make the quality of the movement flow more and show the downfall of heroin the speed of the movement would slow down and become more subtle.

Use of dialogue in trainspotting group dance

The significance of the narration of using the dialogue and the anecdotes leads significantly of how heroin addicts are unable to escape their addictions. It is a desire that is very hard to escape from. For example, Renton is being illustrated having a very strong heroine addiction. The dialogue displays how is going through withdrawals, you feel with him more(through the actions that he is displaying of trying to run away from the main source which is heroine. The antics that take place in the dialogue represents all of us in the group displaying features of the protagonist Renton. We use our stimulus of trainspotting to illustrate and show representation of the past and feeling torn and trapped in society. There is a paradigm of mainstream culture that is being condemned. For instance, when all of the dancers are running it explores how we are running out of time. In addiction, this is presenting that we are running away from our responsibilities. The main point explored with the drug addiction is that in the periods of when the drug is consumed that we bounce our movements off each other within the dance piece. For example, this is presented when a dancer pushes me so my body suspenses to fall on the floor. To condemn on the symptoms and withdrawal of the addiction of heroin. Heroin corresponds with the climax and beginning of the dance. The exploration of the beginning with the dialogue section becomes more explored with other categories to do with the use of the drug addiction such as rehabilitation, hallucinations, escape from reality and etc. The dialogue/speech of all of us saying a part of the dialogue demonstrates hectic life in rural environment(the struggle of letting go-not being able to get up and face your fears and indifferences in society. We illustrates ways of not being able to get up such as using different levels to show different stages and aspects of struggles in society. In the section A of our group dance when we say apart of our dialogue while improvising and using contact improvisation/relations to show how we are rushing out of time and trying to escape the means of society.

Morphed section of group choreography

In our group choreography we were working on the section when I was morphing through a path of six other dancers in a counter balance position. When I am morphing through the other dancers I use key movements that were presented within my motif that was representing the substance and impact that alcohol had on my whole body. For example, this is explored through my movement such as using hand gestures to reach up to my neck. This is to show how the alcohol is an metaphoric illustration of how drugs and heroin play a huge part and aspect. While, being morphed that the dancers around me react to the movement that I did. To explore the action and reaction of the impact and effect that the drug causes towards our body. It only serves a purpose that through us making bad and terrible decisions that it will worsen and make my life more harmful than it already is. The key movement of my motif that I used explores my body suffocating from the endless amounts of consumption of alcohol and intake of drug use which is extremely dissatisfied. The movements that we use as a group is to explore and identify how when people feel that there is nothing left towards life. So, they start a heroin habit which is built up to a point that they are unable to escape from.  Heroin is used as a form of escapism and freedom from the reality of the world. This is all about the hedonism and the rational chemical reaction of meaningless life in a neoliberal society.For example, the counter iterations of me morphing into everyone-they react to what movements that I am doing to show of how strong and quick that the drug is used. It is an source of stimulus that is mainly shown in the film and also as a reoccurring theme throughout our group choreography. When I jump down to the floor while everyone is in a counter balance position transferring weight onto one another to show the struggles and impact that heroin has a strong dynamic effect on everyone.

Entrapment- solo dance

I have explored repetition within my solo dance. This is through repeating the motif based on my stimulus on the painting of the child wanting to escape the reality in the world. The motif based on the stimulus is repeated to show the different stages within entrapment. For example, through changing the dynamics of the motif. The motif that I have developed through using different dynamics i.e. sharp and light. In order, to portray the levels of entrapment and hope. This allows me to use the style contemporary and to make it abstract illustrating a theme of entrapment. Entrapment is used in my dance to explore not being able to be free(due to be trapped in one place that you are unable to get out of. This is explored marking out a box in my solo dance to signify how society is keeping me down from moving forwards. The key action in the beginning of me when I am pushing my legs away on the floor suggests how I am using an action to lur into displaying and showing how flaws and weaknesses are holding me down from achieving and succeeding more. The section A of my solo dance features loads of gestural movements to connote how I am searching for freedom but is unable to break up from the trapment that I carry out within my dance to portray being alone and feeling as though even when you try so hard to reach out and fight you end up back in the same place as you was in the beginning. This is one of the main reasons that the theme of entrapment is significantly allows me to explore more with contemporary dance. Through being able to communicate the message that I am presenting with the theme using the A,B,A structure(tenary form). Through entrapment protraying coming back to the same place that you have started is captured within my dance. To show the different stages and significance of being entrapped and unable to escape.

Feedback on group stimulus

In today's dance class we were given feedback on what to improve on in our group choreography. For example, one of the improvements is to keep the dance more contained in terms of spacing. During the section when the two different group dances in unison. The use of the different relationships within the dance are used to portray the reaction and impact that the drug heroin is having. Through our stimulus the drug is a symbol of what is controlling us and drugs are a symbol of what actions that we choose to do. For our group stimulus we used the choreographic devices of repetition. For example, one way of how we used repetition within our dance is from the motif development of when in the duet. That I created a gestural movement of symbolising suffocation of how people take drugs. This movement that I created in the dance to suggest show society is holding us down(symptoms are the downfall of the drug addiction).

Climax of group choreography

In this dance rehearsal we were working on the climax of the group choreography. By showing the symptoms and side effects towards cold turkey. Displaying within our movements. For example, when we do the group lift within the choreography of lifting Taya. The lift is an representation of she has reached her highest point of cold turkey.  This is the abrupt and immediate centre point of taking the drug heroine and becoming completely addicted to it. "Cold turkey" is an representation of which is unpleasant inappropriate method for breaking an addiction towards alcohol and heroine. In the cold turkey section there was duets and trios. In the cannon section, where we all tilt our heads back leading for the last dancer to suspend her head. In this movement we were exploring the sudden withdrawals from the drugs such as alcohol and heroine can be very dangerous. In the climax the lift representing one person reaching their highest point of the drug. The dynamics of the lift is slow and smooth to show the highest point of heroine addiction.This is explored as the highlight point of the dance to show the highest stage that you can reach of heroine.

Section B of solo dance

In section B my solo dance is based on travelling and reaching for freedom. This is by including more jumps and turns exploring different pathways of the floor. While travelling, for example when I done the hop jump straight into the turn to step hop jump back to come back to still position using arm gestures to show stillness of wanting to achieve that freedom that felt as though that it was stopped from achieving. Section B is showing what it is like to be able to escape. For example, the release in the jumps on a diagonal line is a representation of reaching for hope when being free. This goes into a fast pause when the dynamics completely change(from the jump to the pause I used contrasting dynamics to show the realisation of entrapment). Also, showing the symbolic view of the contrasting views of entrapment. It could be seen and represented in a physical way also in a mental way. The pause that I do is stillness that is used in my dance to show a moment of reconciliation and realisation of what it is to be truly trapped and confined in a small space.

Choreograhic devices development for my solo dance

The gestural movements in section A in a binary form within my solo dance. This I choose to perform it in a contemporary dance style. For example, in the floor section of the dance there is an reoccurrence of arm reaches towards the sides . To enhance finding a way of how I could escape out of the box that has kept me constrained from having freedom and entrapped from escapism. The box is a metaphoric enhancement that is keeping me trapped and isolated from reaching further beyond The arm gestural movement I use as a part of repetition to show the pace and dynamic interaction within my stimulus that dance is based on which is hope/freedom. Section A allows me to explore ways of how to move within the box. While, using different body parts and exploring them in a contemporary dance style. The significance of doing my solo in a contemporary dance style allows me to interpret movement in a abstract form. For example, the floor work in section A is shown in a contemporary dance style through release and suspension on the floor. The repetition of my body coming up towards the ceiling is an motif that I developed to show the dynamic contrast of being trapped is slowly building up the pace and position of the motif. To show and demonstrate the development on the entrapment. The choreographic devices of repetition, dynamic variation, levels, use of space and motif development. Connect to the stimulus through exploring and interpreting different ways and representations of how if I can escape the box and be free. In the beginning of section A I used contrasting dynamics of slow and explosive. For example, when I am curled up to the floor and using one finger to reach forward. It shows how I am reaching for freedom but can not get any further from where I am.

Developing group dance choreograpahy

In our dance class, for the group choreography aspect of the unit. We decided to put section A and section B of what we have so far in the form of a binary structure to explore our given stimulus of trainspotting. Doing the group choreography in an urban dance style allows to be more abstract with our movement that is linked to the stimulus. Section A is an adaptation of the theme drug addiction while exploring the main drug of heroine and the symptoms towards heroine. The side effects and symptoms of heroine is shown through our movements. For example, in the unison part of the canon when some of us dropped down to the floor and the others push their hands towards the front with a fast  and  sharp dynamic that is included in a urban dance style. One of the reasons why that we done the style in a urban style allows us to explore with the movement the intention that the drugs are allowing our bodies to do anything(as there is no self control of what we are doing).

Class rehearsal

My solo dance piece is in a contemporary dance style. This allows me to be more abstract and experimental within the dance to explore the concept and theme of entrapment. Through the gestures and using different body parts on the floor(creating a floor motif). That embodies entrapment and unable to escape out of an box using one of the choreographic devices of repetition on the floor to portray different stages and parts towards entrapment and being restricted in a limited amount of space.

The motif development of entrapment is explored in the first section of the dance in a binary form. That corresponds to the idea of not being able to come out. Creating the allusion of not being able to escape.

The floor section and the standing up section contrasts as both of the sections show and explore coming out of the box and trying to escape and entering into the real world. In contrast, with being restricted and trapped inside a box being able to only reach a certain limit.

In the two sections I wanted to explore a dynamic variation on the floor(the sharp pulses symbolise the immediate reaction of wanting to escape and unravel from entrapment). However, the light hand gestures and reaches symbolise a chance of hope of not being trapped. I am creating the dance and adapting/developing choreography in a binary dance structure.

In the next dance rehearsals I am going to be creating a motif in the third section (B). In a binary dance structure linking it back to the theme of entrapment/hope/

Choreographing in a binary form structure, (section a)

In section A of the dance it was in ensemble. We used sharper and stronger dynamics. For example, we used a motif from Rosemary's choreography

Adapting style of dance piece section A

In our dance session, we were working on a binary structure towards the dance piece. We as a group are first working on the A part section of the piece which is going to include a spoken work aspect towards the dance style that we are performing in. Which is more on an urban contemporary dance field? It demonstrates on how this is a very different dance style towards our solo dances that we are also doing which is going into the style of contemporary. We are developing the motifs one of the drug addictions that we are focusing on which is OCD and developing the motif that explores the concept of OCD such as using the senses for example i.e. touch and feel can be explored through using arm and hand gestures. That can be used to contrast the elements of entrapment and suffocation within the society, through the movements we are linking it towards the addiction of heroine and the emotion that is captured. By being able to escape from the outside.For example, we used gestural movements of washing our hands to suggest represented OCD. This one of the symptoms of heroine.

First section of solo dance development

   

The first section of my solo dance explores on the theme of freedom and entrapment. The first section explores how you are trapped in a box unable to escape. For example, in the first section included hand gestures to suggest reaching out hoping for escape and to be in the outside world as everyone. The motif that I created for in entrapment section was developed through using some of the choreographic features i.e. repetition and dynamics. This motif illustrated being claustrophobic inside a box(a person is suffering endlessly and is trying to reach further but can not get out). Entrapment can be interpreted in so many different ways. At this point within the dance I am stuck inside a box and gradually breaks out slowly and is able to speak out and have a voice through my movement. I am deciding to follow my dance in a binary structure(a,b,a) form.

Motif performed and adapted to the style of musical theatre

In our dance class group rehearsals through our stimulus of trainspotting we adapted the movements which are going to be choreographed and styled in urban contemporary dance. The adaptations of the dance are in the style of musical theatre. Which the movements are more light,upbeat and energetic. This is one of the choreographic method and style that we as a group are going to develop our motifs through. To show how our movements can be ranged and have variations of different dance styles that we could incorporate.

Changing our motif into a street dance style

In our dance group choreography we decided to use one of our motifs we created for the group dance. However, we decided to adapt and change the style of which that the motif was originally performed at. Through changing the music to a more fast pace tempo track. Which was run the world by Beyonce. By changing the music it allows our dance to be adapted by the movement to make it more sharp and jerky with heavier emphasis towards the movements i.e. change the levels and the pathways.

The formation of the motif adapted and performed in the dance style of street dance. For example. in streetdance the movement would have a contrasting dynamic compared to contemporary dance. This could include decreasing the size of the movement but using sharpness and jerky intention towards the movement. Creating a dynamic contrast between streetdance and other types of dance styles. In addition, this allows us dance students to adapt and interpret dance movement in a different concept. The stimulus of the dance is "trainspotting" which we can use movements that correspond towards more of an urban type of dance fused with contemporary. The idea of hallucinations and wanting to break free and escape the reality

Solo choreography stimulus

These two images are possibility a part of a stimulus that I would use to help me create my solo choreography. They both capture ways of how you are trapped in a small area or place and you want to come out to escape of your shadow. Or possibility the darkness that is overshadowing you and unable to allow you to come out of your true shadow. The stimulus gives me an idea of a starting point of how to begin my piece and what type of actions that I should use. In this dance piece there will be moments of release and letting go within the climax and highlights of the dance.

Reverse order of the motif

Motif explored with different choreographic devices

Exploring different choreographic devices within my motif. For example, within my motif is retrograding it.Such as reversing the movement of

Motif of representing the addiction of food

In our dance class rehearsals we were creating an motif based on the film trainspotting while exploring the addiction and crave for food and bulimia. For example, bulimia is explored through binging and eating a lot while vomiting endless amount of food. We explored aspects of bulimia through our hand gestures. As, some of the hand gestures is explored through wanting to harm yourself or to do some sort of damage. Also, we used hand gestures to demonstrate on how we are suffering as individuals and the suffering is causing us both emotional and physical. This indicates the connection with the human body that we have.

Choreography Research Log for solo choreography

Developing one of our motifs

Motif

In the first steps of our group choreography we went into small groups to do a motif based on one of the four addictions. This included food/bulimia, OCD, drugs and technology. For example me and one of my dance peers were choreographing a motif in the contemporary urban field of dance style. Which was focused on the issue of the addiction of food/ bulimia. The addiction of food/ bulimia is being characterised as someone suffering and being in pain and not being able to come out of their shadow. There is some sort of embodiment of suffocation and entrapment of an individual. The individual feels like they have to be a certain way. In order, to be excepted in society for the way that the media conveys to us on how we should appear and look like towards everyone in society as a whole.

For example, in this motif hand gestures of reaching and holding your mouth without breathing were used to convey vomiting. Which enhances on how people with bulimia have a fear and frustration of gaining weight. Vomiting is one of the excessive ways of purging. Through the use of the hand gestures we want to convey towards the dance choreography is how everyone is suffering. For instance, cycles of binging and vomiting can cause stress and damage through your body. This type of stress that we want to convey within the dance. Also, biting the skin of your knuckles creates more problems within the individual state of mind and behavior that they choose to capture through there body. Which can often cause results like inflammation and starvation of which you are messing and damaging the stomach muscles of your body. This can cause you to do a long cycle of binging and excessive amounts of vomiting. As, it creates an destructive pattern on the body

Also, through the use of our hands wrapping around our stomach that we use as a gesture of how individuals are constantly talking about their weight and their appearance because they are scared to put on weight and get any bigger. It causes individuals to want to make themselves suffer and constantly put negatives attitudes on themselves.  We decided on including a lot of hand gestures in the motif to illustrate how they want to cause physical pain.  

Group discussion on themes and concepts of group choreography

In our dance session we gave back feedback on what we thought the film, "trainspotting" illustrated and compelled through the themes and characteristics that are being conveyed. For example, Renton is being represented as being pulled back and going forward but coming back in the past. Which is pulling back his character and pulling back the chain. He is addicted to the drug heroine, addictions is something that everyone has of some sort. It could be anything such as food, gambling or even technology. Renton is trying to get out of the addiction but it is still very hard and challenging.

Another element that the whole dance class were discussing on is how we could use the song track of the monologue in the beginning part of the film and go over the track when words from the monologue scene is being spoken. Also, from the monologue scene we might use as most of us are together i.e. through going to the club.

As, a group we might also use not only the monologue to illustrate and show similar conventions that the film propose based on addiction of heroine. However, to also use the hotel scene of what is going in a hotel atmosphere of the characters. Such as, the behavior of young people in an hotel especially drunk and overdosed on drugs. The addiction is one of the main and key themes that we are going to explore within our dance group choreography. Which includes the addicted to food, technology, OCD and drugs.

Furthermore, we discussed the cold turkey process of stopping the addiction. Which can be illustrated in many ways such as doing an activity to get away from their problems. For example, smoking weed(the idea of relaxation), alcohol, heroine, etsy and cocaine. It creates an illusion of escaping reality(escapism).

Day 3) of the teaching and learning process mode

Day 2 of group choreography discussion

As a dance class, we were discussing on what type of dance styles that we should incorporate in our choreography corresponding with the stimulus. Some of the dance styles that we were thinking of including in our dance choreography is urban with the fusion of contemporary or jazz. Some of the ways through the dance styles of what we are going to incorporate is different levels, different relationships(the grouping and how many dancers there are going to be in each section. The based stimulus that we have for this dance piece is from the movie "Trainspotting" that we are going to base our dance upon. There are so many ways of how that we can be very abstract within the piece such as including spoken word i.e. poetry which can say things about the film. For example, someone can be stating statistics about heroine and Scotland while a few dancers are transmitting what is being said through their movements. The main themes of the film include drug addiction to heroine, hallucinations, rehabilitation and the death of many young individuals. One of the themes of how hallucinations occur so much throughout the film. Hallucinations as a theme can be used to explore a narrative and to tell a story through the addiction of heroine. There is an unchanging life lived upon heroine. Young urban represented within the film live on heroine. As it is represented as a key aspect of freedom and running away from the world. The idea of having heroine is that you want to escape from reality and the real world(which is blinding you from reality). Furthermore, it creates a chronological lapse of stagnancy and an illusion.