4/6/2025 - Week 13 / Meeting 21: Blanche Evan's Improvisational Methods / Physicalizing / Score Solos and Duets

 

Unit: Blanche Evan's Improvisational Methods
 
Theme: Physicalizing / Creating the Score for Solos and Duets


I
 
Introduction 
 
 

I

Introduction

Continuing with our unit on Blanche Evan's methodology, today, we will explore Physicalizing. For the dancer in general, physicalizing  is the translation of a cognitive idea into movement.We will also begin to score solos and duets.

 

II 

Learning Objectives

 

  • Understand the ideas behind physicalizing in movement
  • Explain the sensations generated as a result of physicalizing
  • Gain awareness of the use of cognitive ideas to improvise
  • Experience solo and duet dance using cognitive images
  • Reflect on the creative process at the end of the lesson
 

III
 
Main Lesson 

1
 
 
 
 
Let it Be by The Beatles (1973) 

Lyrics
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be, be
And when the night is cloudy there is still a light that shines on me
Shinin' until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
 
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Paul Mccartney / John Lennon

 Question 1

In which way does the music, the lyrics, the title of the piece ("Your Girl Friend Must Be Tough") and the dance/movements chosen by the dancer relate to the story she expresses?

 

 2

Readings

A Newbie's Guide to Release Technique

https://www.dancespirit.com/understanding-release-technique-2581194689.html

Question 2

What can you say about the "release technique"?

 

 

3

Skinner Releasing Technique: Imagery and its Application to Movement Training

http://www.skinnerreleasing.com/articles/imageryarticle.html

 

Question 3

According to Skinner Releasing Technique, how can imagery help dancers with their dance improvisation?

 

4

 

Scores

Improvisation/Scores - Mapping Collaboration 

http://www.mapcollab.com/improvisationscores

 

Question 4

After reading about the scores of multiple dancers and choreographers, what would be your definition of and improvisation score using your own words?

 

5


The Primacy of Movement 

Read: Dance Improvisation: A Paradigm of Thinking in Movement

Maxine Sheets-Johnstone

 https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Primacy_of_Movement/2EDgXzWMfuwC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Dance+Improvisation&pg=PA420&printsec=frontcover

Maxine Sheets-Johnstone (2011). The Primacy of Movement. John Benjamins Publishing Company

Question 5

 Summarize the content on page 420.

 

 IV

A Note to Remember

 Physicalizing translates a cognitive idea into movement.

 

V

 Case Study / A Duet

 


My Hands/Tus Brazos
Linda Bair and Jorge Luis Morejon (Photographer Tommy Gleason), Linda Bair Dance Company
Grass Valley, California.

Video Link

My Hands / Tus Brazos - Linda Bair & Jorge Morejon

 

Question 6

After watching this video, identify which part of it is improvised dance. Explain what makes you thing so?

 


VI

Activity 1

Students will describe their score using any of the styles describe in the article about and then draw the score of their ensemble and solo pieces. They will share their score with the class.

 

VII

Activity 2

Students rehearse their solos and ensemble pieces using their scores

 

VIII

Journaling

 

IX

Glossary

 

X

Sources

 

XI

Students' Work

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