Danny Buraczeski, Brian Sostek, and Heidi Jasmin took on the topic of "Musicality" and brought their own unique perspective to the Dance Educator's Workshop this summer.
Danny's technique classes were delightful as he proudly proclaimed his close relationship with music as a stimulus for his work.
Brian got
participants experiencing sound and rhythm in their own bodies, and in
counterpoint with each other. In "Flying Foot Forum" style, he layered
movement with percussive sound to create a rhythmic extravaganza, then added
music later.
Heidi Jasmin
brought mixed meters, breath rhythms, use of pulse and swings, and live musical
accompaniment to remind us what the great German modern dance tradition has
contributed to the worlds of dance and music.
Our discussions
revolved around the question of "what does a sophisticated use of music
look like as a dancer/choreographer?" Participants provided lots of food for thought from the
masters:
 |
"Music
should fit like a cape not like a glove" (Martha Clarke) |
|
"The
choreographer's function is that of collaborator with the music, and not of
servant. . . endeavor to place before the spectator something in
harmony with the music which makes a comment upon it or addition to
it". (Agnes DeMille) |
|
"The dance
must have something to say of it's own, and a mere visualization of the
music is not sufficient justification for bringing it to birth". (Doris
Humphrey) |
Discussions
included topics such as not using the music note for note, employing harmonies,
echoes, counterpoint, and trying to capture the "essence" or energy of
the musical piece. We watched participants' choreography (live and on tape) and
the choreography of Mark Morris and George Balanchine to seed discussions and
broaden and authenticate our conversation.
Thanks to all nineteen participants for their contributions!!
Watch for our DEC In-service Workshops this year that will involve all three presenters in new and exciting ways!
Many thanks to
Marge Maddux and Nora Jenneman at the University of Minnesota Barbara Barker
Center for Dance, who so generously accommodated us with the use of the dance
building free of charge.
