Dance Workshop

We had a dance workshop where we learned about movement and different ideas to explore using the body. Professional and student dancers also performed the different ideas of the groups. Our group's idea is to create a dance that is about control. So we tried directing the dancers on what to do, we used that workshop to picture what the dance may look like.

Day 1 - What we did this day is that we participated in different dance activities and explored different movements. One of our tasks is to work in pairs by using a phone with a camera, to focus on each body parts moving such as the head, the shoulders, the torso, the hips, the hands and the feet.

In a big group, we also tried simple movements like walking, sitting, standing and other actions. We added different rules and styles into it like moving slow or fast and learned that there is a pattern and it's almost like a dance piece. In a big group we also tried moving with another person/body, where we tried balancing with each other and lifting.

Another activity we tried is that in pairs, we made a small and simple choreography including different actions.


Day 2 - The dancers visited this day and our task was in groups, were to create an idea to try out and direct the dancers. So we tried our "control/brain" idea.

Dance Workshop Task & Idea

We were set a task, which is to come up with a dance concept/idea.

This is what I came up with: Control, a dance that shows how something is controlled like a system where there is a controller such as a brain.

1- Film Type -  a dance film

Control- requires 2-3 or more dancers. A single dancer sitting have control making minimal/small moves to the people around. The dancers will be surrounding the single dancer and in some parts will be in front like a solar system, nervous system or machine.

3- Movement

Style of movement- Some slow smooth with quick impact style moves. Rule- one person sitting 2 ore more freely moving. 

What body represents- bodies act like a system. single person being a brain/centre who controls and others work taking the actions of the controller.

Formation could include- Circle surrounding the controller. Line, controller in front. Body, controller supported by other dancers.

Relationship of the movement to concept- exaggerating/amplifying small gestures/moves.

4- A scene with 2-3 dancers 

a- Improvisation to create a structure, emotion.

One person becomes the controller - two (or maybe one) becomes the controlled body.

ACTIONS 

Rising up 

Pushing

Pulling

Octopus tentacle effect/or multiple hands

Bringing down 

Attacking 

Defending (covering up the controller)

Carrying the controller.

Dance Video Examples

Parris Goebel- Proudly Odd

This is a dance piece that is choreographed by Parris Goebel. This dance piece features dancing in sofa that doesn't require a huge space but creatively uses a sofa to come up with different hand movements and gestures.

Quick Crew- Asian Concept

A dance video showing three dancers using rice hats as part of their choreography.

The Seaweed Sisters

Parris Goebel - Dance Apocalyptic - Janelle Monae

EXO Teaser 13

I found some teasers from a South Korean group called EXO. They're known for their dance in their music videos. This dance style is slow and smooth.

EXO Teaser 14

The next part is the coat rack dance. The dancer acts like a coat rack and dances with a coat and a hat like an imaginary partner.

Keone & Mari - Latch

A couple that dances together with an interesting door knocking/dancing scene.

Harry Shum Jr. - If You Are In A Shell…

A dance piece using paints and powders using only voice as the sound.

Misfits Dance Crew - Swim Good