Comparing the two videos before class helped me understand the standard of contact we are heading towards. Christenson’s The Play of Weight (2009) is slow paced and fluid with activation of the eyes. In addition, the male is mostly the under dancer and acts as the anchor. Whereas Mäkinen and Akkanen (2011) are quick paced exploring a variety of kinespheres, both having a chance as the over/under dancer. Both videos show momentum, body control and effortlessness which I attempted in class.
Moving across the space felt natural in my body this week. The atmosphere in the room was creative and experimental – this meant everyone was willing to try new things in partners. This week I focused on maintaining momentum with my partner – I tried this out with numerous new partners and it was a new sensation which felt natural but adventurous. Working with new partners meant experiencing new movements and exploring different rolling points which prepared me for the jam.
I found I still worked well as the under dancer but pushed myself to try act as an over dancer – which worked surprisingly well for me. I took on last week’s feedback and released my body, using the breath to melt into bodies. I felt what it was like to sustain my body in the air with a partner which required core strength – in future I will take any opportunity to be the over dancer as I am usually the under.
The jam exploded the positivity this week. Our confidence and trust has gradually grown as a whole this week. I personally found this jam difficult to remember all skills we have learned to date, but the energy maintained for the full jam which made me forget about my faults and helped me proceed dancing.
Neige Christenson (2009) The Play of weight. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ltq6y06E8ew [accessed 8/11/16].
OmegaBranch (2011) Contact Improvisation Mirva Mäkinen & Otto Akkanen. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMLbWxujoGw [accessed 8/11/16].
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