Moving on Breath / Duncan Explorations

 

I

Unit: Breath

Theme: Duncan Explorations

 

Introduction

Today we will address breath. As said by Bradley (2016), at the most basic level, dancers should use inhalation to emphasize growing movements, and exhalation to extend shrinking movements. This use of breath provides a greater fluidity of movement, musicality, and often creates an enduring quality that fosters enjoyment of movement.

 

II

Learning Objectives

 

  • Understand the way in which breath can enhance the quality of expressive movement 

  • Explain how breath connectivity can be increased during performance

  • Gain awareness of breath capacity and connectivity

  • Experience breath connectivity through Duncan style moves

 

III

Warm Up

 


IV

Main Lesson
 

1

Breath Connectivity


Breath Connectivity


2

Athletes breathing versus diaphragmatic breathing.
 


3

 Quotes

The dance of Isadora Duncan is a crafted study and artistic rendering of the human soul. The technique is based on the free flow and organic expression of emotions (Durham 2008). She introduced the use of breath in her dance, which changed the way it was perceived and the qualities the movements were showing, a unique dance. Allen (2018) used Duncan’s internally focused, solar plexus breathing technique as the impetus for creating movement for her company.

 

 4

 

Article

How to Use Breath to Enhance your Movement 

(Coordinate with Movement)

 

V

A Note to Remember
 
Duncan used the breath as the nucleus of movement, letting action stem from the breath itself. Coordinating an inhale or exhale with certain gestures or movements can also help you to embody certain artistic qualities (Caldwell 2021).


VI

Case Study
 
Andrea Seidell

 
VII

Discussion Questions

1. Write a reflection on your experience with breath and movement.

2. In which way do you think breath can enhance the quality of your expressive movement? 

3. In your opinion, how can we increase our breath connectivity during performance?

4. What would you do from now on to develop your awareness about breath capacity and connectivity?


VIII

Activiy

1

Walk around the room (Use directions, levels and focus)

Now connect with your breath ass you walk.

Now move on the inhale and pause on the exhale.

Then, move on the exhale and pause on the exhale.

Combine the inhales and exhales as you move.


2

  • Students explore some Duncan's moves in order to apply their knowledge of breath while moving ( runs, jumps, turns).
  • Then they work in ensembles and create an 8 movements phrase with the moves learned in class.
  • They share their work and then repeat it but this time with music.

Christina Perri - A Thousand Years (Piano/Cello Cover)

 https://youtu.be/QgaTQ5-XfMM

 

IX

Journaling

 

X

Glossary

 

XI

Sources

Allen, Rebecca (2018). “LESSONS FROM ISADORA: RE-EXAMINING A CENTURY OLD CREATIVE PROCESS TO CREATe NEW MOVEMENT AND EXPRESSION. file:///Users/jorgemorejon/Downloads/Allen,%20Rebecca_Redacted.pdf

Bradley, Chelsey (2016). Teaching Students to Use Breath to Enhance their Dancing. https://www.danceadvantage.net/teaching-breath-coordination/

Caldwell, Rachel (2021). How to Use Breath to Enhance Your Movement. https://www.dancemagazine.com/use-breathe-enhance-movement/

Druham, Valerie (2008).  The Dance of Isadora Duncan by Valerie Durham. https://bourgeononline.com/2008/08/the-dance-of-isadora-duncan-by-valerie-durham/


XII

Students' Work

 


 


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