What was the process to create the dance?

At the start of term 3 we joined our project X class with our dance teacher Cod. Our first few lesson we focussed a lot on team building to allow us to co-operate and collaborate better as well as to form a connection with our peers allowing us to build an awareness for each other in the space. After building that connection we transitioned into technique based exercises to help our co-ordination, control and extension through our movements. Once we had worked on our technique, co-operation and collaboration we were ready to begin the experimental choreographing process. To start this we looked for inspiration from tutting, the idea of puppetry and the controlling rigidness of the school curriculum up until year 8. This lead to our first section that we choreographed which was our tutting section. We first watched a range of professional tutting videos before separating into 3 groups of 3 to experiment with the idea of tutting. We then proceeded to join together again to produce the first 2 counts of 8 in the tutting section. Following this we selected any toy we wished and were to create different movements to different tempos. For example there were 3 different sequences we were to produce. The first was 4 rigid, stationary positions that were to be reversed. The second was 4 positions that allow some sort of travelling that was to be reversed. The final was 4 different positions that were to a precise rhythmic pattern. We were later in partners controlling each other like a puppet master, placing them in 8 different awkward positions. After we constructed these three main sections we experimented with a lift involving walking Eden up and along a wall, which was then altered to walking her up the tree. We then built up the tutting section and added another 2 counts of 8. Through all of this we experimented with a few different props and many different position combinations. Throughout the whole process our dance teacher Cod was very helpful and helped us while letting us be creative. She helped pull the positioning together and all of our different sections as well as the costumes. This project

required us to collaborate and co-operate well as a group. I felt that this group of dancers were already good friends therefore, this meant that we were able to work together well however, got distracted easily. When it came time to choreographing the second two counts of 8 of our tutting section we didn’t have our dance teacher Cod as she was in absentia. This resulted in the class getting more distracted than usual. Which consequently lead to Kereen and I choreographing most of those 2 counts of 8. Other than this the group listened to each other well, helped each other no matter what and most importantly trusted each other.

The dance we performed had a binary structure, meaning there were two different movement styles. One was rigid as if we were puppets or toys that are forced to do things. This dance section was very structured and had very set choreography. Our movement were very stiff with linear awkward body shapes. We had be be very strong with our movements to make them percussive. Our spacing was very structured and our moves where on beat. Then during ‘I Want To Break Free’ and ‘Freedom’ we got to freestyle. There was no set spacing or timing as we were improvising however some people were clapping to the beat as we spread through the crowd. The only choreography was our lift. This section of the dance was very free and flowy. The movement in this section was more curved, smooth and floaty rather than the rigidness of the first section. This is a representation of the school system as up until year 8 (this year) the school curriculum is very fixed and rigid. It is very set in stone and there isn’t much room to pursue one specific subject you are interested in which is shown through the first part of the dance. We now start getting those choices to be adventurous and selective with our passions to lead our learning. This is represented by the second part in the dance as we performed our lift and then proceed to burst out of the tree with fun, happy, colourful scarves

How do you feel about the performance?

I feel that this dance went much better than I expected considering we only put it all together that day. I believe I stayed committed and made little to no errors. I dont think my expression was very good due to the fact that I was very focussed on the dance and focussed on the fact the I was blinded by the sun. This resulted in my eyes being closed for a lot of it. The timing I found difficult in rehearsals however, surprised myself as I felt like it was quite accurate. I was very focussed on my spacing so that I didn’t mess with anyone else’s spacing which I felt I executed well. Our group performed very well and made few

mistakes. We worked well and resulted in a cohesive and entertaining dance. When performing on a stage there are harsh lights, a flat ground, an intimidating crowd all sitting staring however, little to no distractions. When performing on the common the ground in uneven, people moving everywhere, a blinding sun, with people more spread out in a much more relaxed environment. During dance this semester I grew as a dancer and as a person. As we had to choreograph the dance as students we had to collaborate and effectively communicate to get our ideas across to our peers, while ensuring everyone’s ideas were included and heard. As for the dance aspect my co-ordination and musicality improved during all of the exercises and the dance itself. I enjoyed performing this dance and look forward to taking the skills I acquired with me.