We started our exploration by examining photographs of different spaces in regards to the positive and negative space, the lines and flow, and the overall design of a space. As a group, we explored different images and made movement choices that were inspired by the spaces.
Students them moved into working in groups to create a site specific dance inspired by different locations around the school. Students looked at the space they chose and created movements that supported the design of the space. Check out the image carousel of their work below!
In our second unit, we explored Stephan Koplowitz's famous work called The Grand Step Project, where he choreographed a dance for multiple dancers on a large staircase. We examined how the dancer's worked in unison, opposition, and cause and effect relationships while creating dance on a staircase. With this as our inspiration, we created a Grand Elastic Project using elastic bands and choreographed movements that explored those three relationships of dancing. Check out the image carousel of their work below!
In our last unit, we explored the 5 elements of dance: Body, Energy, Action, Space, and Time (BEAST) and learned how every dance uses those five elements. Students were challenged to focus on different sub categories under each element which provided them with qualitative choices for movement. In groups, they were able to decide where to perform their dance somewhere around the school.