In our first lesson, we explored how dancers use positive and negative space and then went on to create our own moment sequences, including work on how we transition between our three poses. We had to experiment within our team and think about contact points. It was interesting thinking about our bodies in this way and expand our vocabulary so we can describe what transpired. At the end of the lesson, we watched an extract from Merce Cunningham’s “Rainforest” and talked about his use of positive and negative space.
In lesson two we explored our movements and how changing the tempo of a movement can change its feel. We had so much fun exploring this and using students to conduct tempo. We also explored how Merce Cunningham viewed music and props within his work. How did the music affect our movements? What did it feel like?
Lesson thee was called “Something Wild”. We were exploring why Rainforest looks and feels wild. During this time, we improvised moments based around words we created with our own personal ideas of the inhabitants of a rainforest. We then developed this to thinking about isolating an inspiring animal movement to a single part of our body. We challenged ourselves to think about our use of different levels, tempo, and positive and negative space. Our student choreographers then worked on creating a movement sequence to show the class. They were AMAZING! You can see some short films on our Twitter page.
Bringing dance into our students’ lives is such a wonderful element of BISW. This week has really emphasized the great learning that can take place in a dance lesson, both physically, creatively and through challenging students to think about concepts from a totally new perspective, not to mention the teamwork and perseverance needed. I have been so proud of our students as have Mr. Brown and Mrs. Stewart.
Our first week back after half term will see year 7,8 and 9 continue with one more week on Merce Cunningham. Over the year we will explore world dance, street dance, ballet, a dance that tells a story, dance for dramatic expression and choreographer of today, using the Juilliard creative classroom. We are also excited to welcome our Juilliard dance specialist to BISW In November and February. Primary your turn is coming- Spring term will see you explore these wonderful topics in PE lessons- how exciting!