In this session we explored the different components we can use as dancers when creating movement.  We were asked to create a short phrase which was based off of the words bend, stretch and twist.  These were given to us as a starting point, as well as a focus for our movement.   We were then instructed to add more anatomical exploration and add more focus on our joints and skeleton.  This included using movements that involved flexion, rotation and extension.  Adding this onto the phrase already, I found myself beginning to make more abstract movements that had more depth to the choreography.  It allowed my body to make a ‘stretch’ movement, become more of an extension which really pushed me to use my core and hold this movement as long as I could. 'Extension as in the art of extending throughout the body along specific lines, planes and alignments during every movement in seemingly static poses' (Brocksom, D.P. 2016). The final task was to play with different dynamics.  This meant that we had to explore a new quality of our movement.  I decided to further develop the extension and stretch movement and make it a slow and heavy section.  I think that developing the movement and gradually adding these choreographic components was helpful because it helped me think of new ways to improve on my choreographic detail.  It allowed me to think more deeply about the way the movement looked.  I took inspiration from Whyte (excerpt) from Blak Whyte Gray by

Boy Blue. They use a lot of static movement and make them really sharp, but then in one section two dancers are popping and one dancer is walking forward in slow motion. I think that the contrast in dynamics was really effective and inspired me to contrast my movements. One thing I think I could’ve done better throughout this workshop was to experiment with different body parts.  I mainly focused on expanding the movement in my arms, but I think if I were to do this again, I would challenge myself more by using a different body part such as my head or hips.  I think this would really help me create some abstract movement and not just play it safe by using my arms.  This workshop has inspired me to really concentrate on the different dynamics I set my dancers when creating my CD3 piece this year. 

Brocksom, D.P. (2016) The Art of Extension, tdcps. Available at: https://www.thedancecentreperegiansprings.com/single-post/2016/06/07/the-art-of-extension (Accessed: 10 January 2024).