Lesson 1 - 10/09/15

The first exercise we tackled was a simple running warm-up. This involved running around in a circle and completing an action e.g. touching the floor, jumping, turning around or changing direction when a number was said. This helped to get our cardiovascular systems working as well as switching our brains on as you had to focus on doing the correct movement. 

We then did an exercise that started to mobilise the spine and engage our hamstrings. The routine also involved a plank position to help strengthen our cores and lunges to stretch out our leg muscles. This was beneficial because it helped to prepare our bodies for the rest of the class. Also by having an awareness of our core muscles from early on in the class we could make sure we were using it throughout to make sure our movements were supported and strong. 

Another routine we did was a Cunningham based curve exercise. Merce Cunningham was an American dance practitioner who created new forms of abstract dance centred around curves, spirals, tilts, twists and arches. I found this exercise quite difficult and very strenuous on many muscle groups. I found it hard to create nice lines when curving my arms forwards in front of me because I kept lifting my shoulders and not pushing my pelvis forwards enough. I improved this through partner observation work and pretending that there was a fish bowl balanced on my torso. I enjoyed this exercise and I liked the way Tasha (classmate) used dynamics to create an interesting to watch piece. She did this by doing a quick throwing motion and contracting her torso but having a slow turn with a leg extension.

We then moved onto a more free swinging exercises. A comment that kept popping up was that we were making the movement look nice but we needed let our heads go. This made the routine look a lot more flowy and legato. This was further improved upon by travelling the galloping motions even more. We split into two halves and one started on the left, the other on the right. This made the dance look interesting as it gave a coming together and separation element to it. If an audience were to watch it they would probably start to infer a story.

The final portion of the class was focused on corner work, jumps and contemporary dance technique. I really struggled with the section as I didn't have much of a base to work from and often got muddled up with my feet. The leaps into rolls particularly threw me as I kept extending the wrong leg and my line was definitely not defined. I need to work on my basic contemporary techniques in order to advance myself as a performer.

Finally we made sure to do a cool down to ensure our muscles don't get too sore. We must always cool down after intense session of work or else we can cause our bodies harm. This was a really good introduction to the Dance AS course and I really look forward to studying further!