The Field Project proposes different forms of research based on various dance vocabularies und improvisation methods. Above all, dancers will learn how to bring in and develop their own vocabulary and individual style. During the warm-up, we will use basic techniques of modern and contemporary dance, specific exercises for a strong core and floor work to develop our flexibility. These movements are designed to heighten our perception of the natural rhythm of our breath, which flows into the executed movements in space. After the warm-up, we will set off towards a path where we reduce patterns and conservative forms of technique and styles. A travelling sequence will emphasise precise alignment und fluidity in the movement as well as further enhancing our awareness of balance. We will continue the movement research by focusing on specific themes such as space, gravity, collision, and other topics that will be proposed during the class. We will apply these ideas firstly to solo dance material and follow this with group work, which will focus on different formations (duo, trio and larger groups). Here we will also work with Contact Improvisation and partnering.
Creativity, flexibility and dynamic body language shape the first choreographic sequences. They are the impulse for individual expression and the extension of one’s own vocabulary. Combining the previously created material and feeding it with new energy, we will add on material in the so-called "choreographic engine". Through this application and the distribution of a number of fixed set movements, we will compose and generate new choreographic aspects and images.
The choreographic engine
We will dive into the body as we move and discover how to enter and exit the deeply rooted patterns of our engine systems. Each body reports what and how it wants to present itself. Contemporary dancers who work with improvisation have to engage in the phenomenon that no moment repeats itself – but we can learn to react, adapt and change. If we constantly repeat ourselves, we will only narrow our possibilities and become stagnated. With our safety modes switched on, we revert back to old movement habits. Without properly considering what is better or more meaningful our creativity is hidden from ourselves. The body becomes a creative machine when we let go. We can let something unimaginable happen! The Field Project focuses on the question: What should we choose in order to discover and expand our approach to create a choreographic structure based on dynamics, contact, perception and above all, individuality? In this choreographic process forms can appear that seem illogical to the dancer and logical to the choreographer (or vice versa) at first. These forms can be of potential value to the development of a piece. Individuality is a tremendously important source of energy and creativity that adds new topics and themes to the choreographic engine.
The Research Project ends with a public showing on the 19th of July at 17:00!
Please send a link to a 1-minute video of a solo dance work or dance improvisation (a simple self-made smartphone video is enough) with your application!!
Elio Gervasi
