Contemporary Technique Logbook by Georgia Mccabe

Technique term 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:17:57 UTC

Within these exercises we will be exploring Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham technique and will be required to perform with accuracy and confidence ready for assessment.

Exercise 1 - Rolling exercise 1)

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:20:32 UTC

Exercise 2 - Rolling exercise 2)

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:20:57 UTC

Exercise 3 - Army rolls

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:21:30 UTC

Exercise 4 - Cunningham and Graham focused.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:22:04 UTC

Exercise 5 - Graham Swing release technique.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:23:18 UTC

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:24:26 UTC

These logs will show my development through the exercises, discuss technique needed for each exercise and finally talk about the improvements I require.

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:25:36 UTC

1. When performing a downwards dog, push your heels back - you should feel a stretch in your calves,
2. Don't invert or turn feet out - don't cross feet when working through the movements,
3. Ensure feet return back to parallel - be conscious of making sure feet don't close.
4. Work in opposition <---------->
5. Core strength is required to push up to downward dog as feet are the last thing you adjust into position,
6. Hypo-flexibility makes arm movements difficult as they invert - make sure arms are kept in parallel (keep them as wide as your shoulders),
7. Don't shift or walk your hands when transitioning between movements - it is important to keep hands where you've placed them,
8. Melt into the floor,
9. Push heels together in prayer position - it should feel uncomfortable and unnatural,

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:30:24 UTC

1. Show extension through the devloppe,
2. Keep fingers placed flat on the floor otherwise if you have 'spider fingers' you could cause injury and break your fingers,
3. Ensure to tuck your chin to chest on the roll down and forward roll,
4. Keep heel down on supporting leg and bend the supporting leg,
5. Core strength is required to get back to standing without using your hands to push off - it should all be a fluid transition - momentum helps.
6. Keep extended leg straight - when you devloppe the leg it's important to focus on the technique needed not the flexibility and height as this will take away from your technique,
7. Control the movements.

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:35:15 UTC

1. Think about 'roll and catch',
2. Look up when rolling to stand - this helps you get up and keeps the fluid transitions between movements,
3. Ensure to elevate on the hops - looking up will help assist your the height on hops,
4. Core strength is required to successfully get you through this exercise,
5. Melt into the floor - use the rebound to get you back up to standing,
6. Keep your back on the floor when you roll - an important element of army rolls,
7. Build a momentum to get you round - don't stop,
8. Stamina is required to prevent you from giving up - it is important to finish the exercise with the same approach as you started it.

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:38:01 UTC

1. Memory retention - this exercise is a long exercise so it is important to remember the excercise as well as the technique to ensure the exercise is performed accurately,
2. Isolate and contract!
3. Control neck on high release - don't dip head back, it comes from the top of the spine,
4. Relax into the movements - when you're relaxed the movements flow better,
5. Core strength in plank - don't dip too low or stick your bum in the air,
6. Don't lift your bum off the floor when you contract putting your elbow down,
7. "Swing and Catch",
8. Round the spine when you contract,
9. Knees over toes when you roll down and plie.

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:41:22 UTC

1. Don't throw arms behind you, they should remain within your peripheral vision.
2. STICATO movements!
3. Don't create an arch in the spine when swinging the arms,
4. Tilt on the lunge with Alston arms - demonstrate alston arms throughout.

Exercise 6 - Standing Leg Swing exercise.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:49:49 UTC

Exercise 7 - Leg Swings.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:50:49 UTC

Exercise 8 - Travelling corner exercise

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:51:15 UTC

Exercise 9 - Sequence of Movements

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:51:50 UTC

Technique 1 Assessment Evaluation

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-13 08:52:18 UTC

In my opinion, I felt the assessment went well taking into consideration that I only had 2 weeks to learn the exercises due to illness recovery. I do believe I went into the assessment with little confidence and I felt nervous about the outcome of the situation as I was unsure as to whether I would perform well or not.

Roll 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-21 10:29:22 UTC

I believe I performed the first exercise well demonstrating fluid transitions between the movements; however, when evaluating my performance I felt I often rushed the exercise so I need to ensure in the future not to rush the movements and to take my time to move through them. In addition, I often lacked concentration meaning my focus was elsewhere so my ankles weren't always together like I'd rehearsed. I am glad I could identify this as it is something I will rectify in my next sessions ready for future assessments.

Roll 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-21 10:32:01 UTC

Throughout this exercise, I felt I was often inconsistent and forgot to bend my arms making the exercise difficult as I feel when the arms are bent the roll is smoother; I am unsure as to why I didn't bend my arms as this is a basic skill required in a standard forward roll but I will ensure to focus on this as this exercise is one I want to continue working on and monitoring my progression. When evaluating this exercise, I noticed I often rush the devloppe and go straight into the roll, it is important to spend more time displaying a devloppe with accurate extension and turnout as this is the point of the exercise.

Army Rolls

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-21 10:36:47 UTC

Overall, I felt this exercise was successful as I was able to show accuracy of movements and smooth transitions as well as keeping up a good pace throughout the exercise. I ensured to take all previous feedback and put this into practice to ensure this exercise was successful.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-21 10:39:05 UTC

Unfortunately, due to having to recover from an operation, I was only able to participate in 2 sessions prior to the assessment, however, I attend the 2 sessions I couldn't partake and ensured to make notes and identify the technique needed for each exercise to show I understood the exercises.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-21 11:04:20 UTC

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gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-21 11:05:49 UTC

gmccabe1998 — 2018-05-21 11:06:09 UTC

Technique 2 Martha Graham

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-07 21:13:22 UTC

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-07 21:14:24 UTC

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-07 21:15:46 UTC

Contraction Exercise

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-07 21:23:00 UTC

Within this exercise, I felt my feet didn't consistently remain in parallel; I believe this is due to focusing on the exercises and ensuring to accurately demonstrate the technique for performing contractions. I believe with longer to learn this exercise would have been a better outcome with consistent accuracy throughout.

Arm Swings

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-07 21:23:05 UTC

Throughout this exercise I believe I performed fluidity throughout. This exercise was one of the exercises I felt most confident with so believe this enabled me to perform with accuracy, confidence and fluidity,

Corner

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-07 21:23:27 UTC

I feel this exercise was one of my weakest and my movements were performed with a 'rigid' style instead of strong and fluid transitions through the movements; I believe this is down to my movement memory as I couldn't seem to get a sense of feel for the movement and couldn't make the exercise flow in my head. A common issue through my performances are my arms - I often focus on my body and footwork and forget my arms, this was evident throughout this exercise - one of the main elements of this exercise was to perform with strong Alston arms, however, although I performed arm movements I believe they lacked accuracy.

Sequence

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-07 21:23:42 UTC

Throughout this exercise I felt disheartened as I believe I showed a lack of technique as my focus was turned towards the speed of the exercise. This exercise was aimed to be performed to a fast speed which I believe impacted the movement as the aim of a technique assessment is to show accuracy of movement but instead my attention was drawn to ensuring I maintained a good speed and momentum to complete the exercise.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-07 21:23:50 UTC

Overall, I believe my main improvement needed for this technique assessment and future assessments is my musicality. Musicality adds affect to the piece, however, I believe I often rush the movements and don't spend enough time performing the technique. Musicality also allows you to focus on your breathing and take a breathe through the exercise allowing your stamina to get you through each exercise without resulting in lack of energy.

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 07:52:25 UTC

I believe to improve this exercise, I need to rehearse as my movement retention wasn't very good so the exercise didn't flow as I was often unsure about the next movement.

In addition, my core strength also needs improvement as I found I was using my hands to push up to downwards dog not my core strength.

Week 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 07:54:41 UTC

I feel a lot more confident about this exercise in comparison to last week; I believe the movement started to flow and I was applying the technique required. I just need to remember to keep my heels together in the prayer position. I am pleased with my progress and believe this exercise will be ready for the assessment next week.

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 07:57:29 UTC

1. Core strength,
2. Balance and co ordination,
3. 'BRUSH' legs through a tendu,
4. Keep hips still and controlled,
5. Ability to shift weight,
6. When weight is forward - knees should be over toes,
7. In arabesque, back should be flat,
8. Don't cock neck in high release,
9. Work through the feet,
10. Piques - quick and snappy,
11. Don't lift hip,
12. Maintain elevation,
13. Land the jumps by working through the feet instead of landing flat footed.

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 07:57:39 UTC

1. Memory retention;
- Allows exercise to be fluid,
- Allows smooth transitions within the movements.
2. On 'double leg swings' bottom should remain on the floor during the brushes and don't lift legs.

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 07:57:40 UTC

1. TRAVEL!!
2. Turn in the air,
3. Inverted knee,
4. Straight legs,
7. Alston arms displayed,
8. Elevation.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 07:57:41 UTC

Technique needed -

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 07:57:44 UTC

1. Speed throughout the exercise,
2. Extension on the devloppe,
3. Elevation on barrel jump,
4. Momentum to get you through the exercise,
5. Core strength when fall to plank,
6. Smooth transitions through the movements.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 08:14:12 UTC

I found learning the exercises off a DVD extremely difficult as I wanted to ensure I demonstrated accuracy of the Martha Graham technique throughout. This made the process challenging and difficult, however I do believe it was beneficial to have this push as I wanted to make sure I was confident with the exercises before I went in for the assessment.

Contraction

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 08:16:53 UTC

Sat on a low level, body pulled both upwards and backwards causing a concave curve shape of the body, head is straight looking upwards before demonstrating a downwards drop.During the contraction exercise, performers are sat in either a 'yoga position' with feet together or legs are in second position; it is clear during the exercise that when the dancer displays a contraction, she curves and stretches the spine, tilting the pelvis and rotating the torso. The contraction is shown in 2 ways;
1. Bending over in a contraction which deepens the contraction with a dive/drop,
2. Twisting in a contraction, showing opposition and rotation.

Overall this exercise makes the body movements seem rigid and stiff but works well and clearly demonstrates contractions.

Release

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 08:17:51 UTC

The release demonstrates straightening, extending, stretching body positions, showing a release of energy. During the release aspect of the exercise, performers are sat in either a 'yoga position' with feet together or legs are in second position; through the demonstration of high release, performers release in a twisted position and straight body position showing extension of the body.

Spiral

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 08:18:00 UTC

Whilst dancers are sat in 4th position, performers are expected to show 7 movement concepts;
1. spiral,
2. release,
3. pitch,
4. tilt,
5. contraction,
6. shift,
7. alignment.
Dancers are sat on a low level and show clear understanding of diagonal directions and soft flowing movements with strong elements in the ongoing sequence.

Foot and travelling

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 08:18:24 UTC

Staccato, sharp and sustained movements are shown during this exercise through an array of movement actions, including; isolation, peel, lift, contact, shift, contraction and tilt are just some of the actions you're expected to display in this exercise. Dancers show a range of spatial features and understanding of travelling pathways exploring forward, direct linear and circle pathways with elements of long, short, high, low throughout the sequences.

Elevations

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 08:18:39 UTC

Rhythmic features and qualities are clearly displayed throughout the skips, march jumps and leap exercises, evident features shown include, accented movements, sudden and sharp elements, suspended, precise, bouncy and soft movements are also clear in all exercises.

Eleveated and extended movements are shown on the spot and through a forward travel on a direct linear pathway.

Sequence

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 08:19:18 UTC

The sequence clearly follows Graham's contraction, spiral and release movement concepts which is evident through the torso actions, extension, throw, travel and head actions which are used throughout the sequence. Performed on a diagonal pathway, a range of travel and levels are used throughout the sequence; forwards, sideways, backwards, up and down elements and a low, and medium level. This exercise has clear flair and shows a range of features which I believe were vital to the exercise - swing, suspend, smooth, fluent, relaxed and weighty movements.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 08:20:36 UTC

When analysing the DVD source, I was able to identify the three elements used within Graham technique being:

CONTRACTION
RELEASE
SPIRAL

Contraction, release and spiral are key movement concepts displayed that link to exhalation and inhalation through dance technique. Graham's movements showing this, originate from the center of the body and aids control of the body.

Flexibility and strength is also a key factor to correctly show Graham technique.

Graham's choice of head positioning is believed to add an emotional dimension and connection to the movements.

Contraction and release order;

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:05:47 UTC

1. High release x2
2. Contract
3. Contract showing a twist of the body
4. Contract
5. Contract twisting the body - changing position
6. High release,
7. Contract,
8. High release with arms

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:26:46 UTC

I found this exercise difficult as forward rolls aren't something I am confident with. Before ensuring my devloppe was sustained and accurate with a level of height, I ensured I could get the movement correct so practiced with a low level devloppe of the leg into a forward roll to ensure I was able to do the movements confidently before developing the level of technique on the devloppe. I found it difficult to get to standing from the roll without using my hands, I believe with practice and a confident approach to the movement my momentum will increase which will assist me to get up.

Week 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:30:47 UTC

I felt a clear improvement and confident approach towards the exercise but still felt a level of improvement was required when rolling to stand - it is evident momentum and core strength require improvement to ensure this is done without my hands. In addition, I need to ensure my head is tucked to chest every time I perform this exercise as I have noticed this isn't always carried out well.

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:32:57 UTC

I believe I performed this exercise well and quickly learnt the sequence, I believe the thing I need to work on is speed and momentum, but with confidence and rehearsal this will continue to improve. Overall I am impressed with this exercise.

Week 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:33:59 UTC

Similarly to last week, this exercise continued to progress and I felt extremely confident with this exercise.

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:35:27 UTC

I felt I struggled with this exercise as it is quite lengthy so I struggled to keep up as everyone around me already knew the exercise so it was a matter of keeping up and learning as we practiced. I believe today I showed little technique as I was focused on learning the exercise and movements but rehearse this sequence so I am confident to apply technique for next week's session.

Week 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:37:06 UTC

After rehearsal, I felt more confident with this exercise and began to apply technique required for this exercise but still believe I have a long way to go as I don't believe this is the strongest exercise I have performed so need to continue to progress to a higher level so this exercise matches the rest.

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:38:46 UTC

This exercise went well, I believe my weakest element is my arms. I struggled to accurately demonstrate Alston arms, but believe with practice they'll be stronger as I am not used to using these arms and arms has always been my weakest element in dance.

Week 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:39:58 UTC

This exercise went really well and I am happy with the overall look and progress of this exercise, I took on board last weeks target and ensured to focus on my arms to ensure they were accurately demonstrated.

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:41:08 UTC

Core strength is evident that it requires improvement, I felt I was all over the place during this exercise. Placing my hands on my hips helped aid my balance and control but this is something I want to drift away from as it is important to ensure I engage my core strength throughout these exercises and if I don't use it, it won't improve.

Week 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:42:34 UTC

I found throughout this exercise, my hips swing and don't remain strong and facing the front, I placed my hands on my hips to identify when they're moving and correct this to prevent it from happening. Often my hips fall out of alignment so I am trying to acknowledge when this happens and rectify it to prevent bad technique..

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:51:21 UTC

I believe in order to make this exercise successful, I need to gain a strong understanding of the movement as at the moment I believe my movement doesn't flow as I lack confidence of the movement and sequence. I believe with practice this will improve.

Week 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:52:51 UTC

This exercise has improved in comparison to last week, however, I still don't feel completely confident and mistakes were still occurring within the exercise. In order to continue improving I believe this exercise requires extra rehearsal before next weeks assessment.

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:54:23 UTC

Week 1

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 09:54:37 UTC

smooth transitions happen occasionally throughout this exercise but I do believe they require improvement, lack of confidence and still learning the sequence of movements means the confidence and movement retention was low and required improvement. However, I do believe I have picked it up well so far. I think the more confident I am, the faster the exercise will be.

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 11:08:51 UTC

Due to lack of confidence my movements came across quite “ridged” I believe this is because I was concentrating and thinking of the movements so they were unable to flow. Extra rehearsals will help to improve this and prevent this from happening as I’ll be able to relax into the movements and make them flow

Week 2

gmccabe1998 — 2018-06-14 11:10:06 UTC

I do believe I am a lot more confident with the movements but still need to add musicality and flair to this exercise when performing. I am glad I have been able to identify this a week before the assessment so I can rehearse and rehearse to improve this. Another thing I need to work on is my travel as I know I can travel more and add more height into my jumps.