You cannot underestimate the effort and force that goes into the grand battement. It is the preparation for grand allegro. It is how you prepare for large leaps and jumps. It is your jump. You must try to split-- it must split. You must take the risk of being thrown off balance and throw with great force. And throw fast. The height you reach on count one is the height of your grand jete.
Symmetric means of egress:
(a) walk out the door labeled "EXIT"
(b) jete out the door labeled "EXIT"
(c) strap on the vacuum jet-pack hiding in the cleaning closet and rocket out through the skylight
(d) hang onto the giant hook hanging just outside the window and reel down via the Stubborn Pulley*
*This last option requires a partner egressor.
A non-denominational, all-encompassing, Hallmarkian "Season's Greetings" to everyone! Hope you didn't mind doing jetes to Jingle Bells this evening.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
"Over heeeeere!...
Over heeeeere!..."
...and the challenge continues. Only this time, it's a mental one.
Reversal vs. Retrograde:
In a reversal,
-en dehors becomes en dedans (and vv.)
-front tendu becomes back tendu (and vv.)
-croise REMAINS croise (efface REMAINS efface); consider these relative directions as anchors, or constants in an otherwise topsy-turvy, discombobulating scenario
In a retrograde reversal, the film rewinds. Everything (ie: the variables listed above) remains constant, but the order of events reverses. Don't bother with this type of reversal in ballet class-- at least for now.
In a combined reversal + retrograde reversal, the shoes end up on the head, which internally combusts.
-a concept class, where the power to turn comes from the hips using compression (the plie) and torsion (twisting of the hips with the supporting foot stuck to the ground)
-feeling dumb is a precursor to getting smarter; acknowledge the confusion, then sort it out.
Over heeeeere!..."
...and the challenge continues. Only this time, it's a mental one.
Reversal vs. Retrograde:
In a reversal,
-en dehors becomes en dedans (and vv.)
-front tendu becomes back tendu (and vv.)
-croise REMAINS croise (efface REMAINS efface); consider these relative directions as anchors, or constants in an otherwise topsy-turvy, discombobulating scenario
In a retrograde reversal, the film rewinds. Everything (ie: the variables listed above) remains constant, but the order of events reverses. Don't bother with this type of reversal in ballet class-- at least for now.
In a combined reversal + retrograde reversal, the shoes end up on the head, which internally combusts.
-a concept class, where the power to turn comes from the hips using compression (the plie) and torsion (twisting of the hips with the supporting foot stuck to the ground)
-feeling dumb is a precursor to getting smarter; acknowledge the confusion, then sort it out.
It was a challenge of a challenge. That is to say, every class from beginner to bolshoi is by default a challenge, but some don't even require establishing a personal agenda* to make it challenging; that is to say, class is what you make of it, so there should be no such thing as a non-challenging class-- but some classes are more challenging than others. A very Orwellian statement.
-petit battements front to back & up and down the supporting leg; with what speed it travels! Like a little mouse running up and down the leg
-balances on releve in all three directions at center with bedroom slipper leg** at 90 degrees or higher
-grand jete entournant: first landing should face forward in the direction of motion in order to establish a forward momentum
-entrechat trois = royale landing in coupe; in general, even-numbered entrechats land in 5th; odd-numbered entrechats land in coupe
-a shutterbug pays us a visit all the way from the Windy City
*examples of personal agendas: one-fingered barre; rib cage; shape of the foot; turnout; pit space/elbows, world domination
**ie: working leg; supporting leg should be clear of warm and fuzzy bedroom slippers that tend to impede balance
-petit battements front to back & up and down the supporting leg; with what speed it travels! Like a little mouse running up and down the leg
-balances on releve in all three directions at center with bedroom slipper leg** at 90 degrees or higher
-grand jete entournant: first landing should face forward in the direction of motion in order to establish a forward momentum
-entrechat trois = royale landing in coupe; in general, even-numbered entrechats land in 5th; odd-numbered entrechats land in coupe
-a shutterbug pays us a visit all the way from the Windy City
*examples of personal agendas: one-fingered barre; rib cage; shape of the foot; turnout; pit space/elbows, world domination
**ie: working leg; supporting leg should be clear of warm and fuzzy bedroom slippers that tend to impede balance
Monday, December 20, 2010
-double plie on releve
-a new focus on the action and shape of the foot; jumps to releve are sharp, accurate, and strong; feet off the floor are pointed strongly and definitely
-lovely snowflake dance: temps-lie with arms that ebb and flow like the tide
A WORD on the Nutcracker production that did indeed happen, as evidenced by the glittery trace it left on the studio floor: On the days leading to the show, we banded together as a community to create something from nothing in a week's time. It was a remarkable display of initiative, which itself was a demonstration of our sheer devotion to the studio. The days of preparation and rehearsal gave us insight into the process of envisioning a story and bringing it into physical existence. The story itself had magical elements, especially the moment when Drosselmeyer appears out of thin air and the entire party freezes except for Clara; she greets him with an extremely low bow, signifying deference and awe toward the great magician who goes on to demonstrate the tricks of his trade for the lucky girl.
On the day of the show, the addition of a 10-foot-tall Mother Ginger in drag gave us a wonderful throwback to old world burlesque theatre, while it and other elements of the production like the sea of waltzing flowers gave the kids an opening into a world apart from reality. Also on the day of the show, we witnessed an equally remarkable display of resourcefulness and optimism-- the glue that held our performance together in the face of some harried situations. Lastly, the production gave us a taste of what it feels like to dance and perform. Now we can bring these feelings back to the barre, center, and across the scintillating marley floor, scattered with the glittery remnants of a production that-- like a traveling circus-- arose from the dust, grew out of devotion, then disappeared as suddenly as it arose.
-a new focus on the action and shape of the foot; jumps to releve are sharp, accurate, and strong; feet off the floor are pointed strongly and definitely
-lovely snowflake dance: temps-lie with arms that ebb and flow like the tide
A WORD on the Nutcracker production that did indeed happen, as evidenced by the glittery trace it left on the studio floor: On the days leading to the show, we banded together as a community to create something from nothing in a week's time. It was a remarkable display of initiative, which itself was a demonstration of our sheer devotion to the studio. The days of preparation and rehearsal gave us insight into the process of envisioning a story and bringing it into physical existence. The story itself had magical elements, especially the moment when Drosselmeyer appears out of thin air and the entire party freezes except for Clara; she greets him with an extremely low bow, signifying deference and awe toward the great magician who goes on to demonstrate the tricks of his trade for the lucky girl.
On the day of the show, the addition of a 10-foot-tall Mother Ginger in drag gave us a wonderful throwback to old world burlesque theatre, while it and other elements of the production like the sea of waltzing flowers gave the kids an opening into a world apart from reality. Also on the day of the show, we witnessed an equally remarkable display of resourcefulness and optimism-- the glue that held our performance together in the face of some harried situations. Lastly, the production gave us a taste of what it feels like to dance and perform. Now we can bring these feelings back to the barre, center, and across the scintillating marley floor, scattered with the glittery remnants of a production that-- like a traveling circus-- arose from the dust, grew out of devotion, then disappeared as suddenly as it arose.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Nutcracker Workshop 2010, Day 4
-the analogy of the sculptor to explain allocation of energy to specific areas and release of energy where it is unnecessary (eg: relax hip and back in leg hold)
-there are only so many magicians out there (they number somewhere between zombies and changelings); even the realm of magic has been affected by the economic downturn
-the hand initiates the forward cambre and invites the torso to bend down
-future knitting projects: scarf, hat, leg warmers, ribcage
-white eye shadow applied to the corners opens the eyes
-last detail before the show: smile! There are few things more disconcerting than a sparkly gauzy flower with a grim look of death on her face
-live breathe eat ballet...what an extraordinary week within an extraordinary year
-there are only so many magicians out there (they number somewhere between zombies and changelings); even the realm of magic has been affected by the economic downturn
-the hand initiates the forward cambre and invites the torso to bend down
-future knitting projects: scarf, hat, leg warmers, ribcage
-white eye shadow applied to the corners opens the eyes
-last detail before the show: smile! There are few things more disconcerting than a sparkly gauzy flower with a grim look of death on her face
-live breathe eat ballet...what an extraordinary week within an extraordinary year
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Nutcracker Workshop 2010, Day 3
-a theatrical look is actually a look past or through or beyond the object of the gaze-- as if the object of the gaze is much much farther away. In this way, the look is projected over a great distance, enough to reach the audience. The object may be a doll in your hand; it may be the hand itself, or your foot. The feeling of "longer neck", or any kind of bodily extension in general can be generated by imagining that various body parts are a great distance away. Carrying oneself "like a ballerina" requires a shift in perspective of the spatial relations between one's body parts.
-opiated Chinese dance
-a column is a vertical structure made up of waltzing flowers
-a scallop is a marine bivalve mollusk. It is a cosmopolitan organism; a citizen of the world's oceans. Its shape is Van-like-- I mean Fan-like; a series of curved projections. In the Waltz of the Flowers, it is also known as "the point of contention". For the record, a record is only as good as the memory of the recorder. Also for the record, a corps is only as good as each individual member. So let us watch out for our fellow swans. Regarding its function, the corps is the soloist's thoughts manifest. Swan Lake without the corps...is the Dying Swan.
-waltzing flowers wilting
Following rehearsal, a class that serves as one long reverence. A gypsy-flavored pass to Carmen. An adagio whose careless arms and solitary walks are expressive of our mellow mood. Fancy-armed grand jetes. The adagio reappears as a reverence. When you think that after a lengthy rehearsal, the last thing you need is more ballet-- reconsider.
Swan Song:
No swan is an island, entire of itself;
Any swan's death diminishes me
Because I am involved in the corps...
-opiated Chinese dance
-a column is a vertical structure made up of waltzing flowers
-a scallop is a marine bivalve mollusk. It is a cosmopolitan organism; a citizen of the world's oceans. Its shape is Van-like-- I mean Fan-like; a series of curved projections. In the Waltz of the Flowers, it is also known as "the point of contention". For the record, a record is only as good as the memory of the recorder. Also for the record, a corps is only as good as each individual member. So let us watch out for our fellow swans. Regarding its function, the corps is the soloist's thoughts manifest. Swan Lake without the corps...is the Dying Swan.
-waltzing flowers wilting
Following rehearsal, a class that serves as one long reverence. A gypsy-flavored pass to Carmen. An adagio whose careless arms and solitary walks are expressive of our mellow mood. Fancy-armed grand jetes. The adagio reappears as a reverence. When you think that after a lengthy rehearsal, the last thing you need is more ballet-- reconsider.
Swan Song:
No swan is an island, entire of itself;
Any swan's death diminishes me
Because I am involved in the corps...
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Nutcracker Workshop 2010, Day 2
-mmmm, sweet!
-oooo, exotic!
-oooo, flowers!
-oooo,...egg rolls!
Truth be told, with K playing Drosselmeyer, it is not difficult to play Clara in awe of the great magician. Neither is it difficult to conjure a genuine feeling of wonder, given the circumstances. The scene of the party freeze/appearance of Drosselmeyer is entrancing and full of mystery. The sudden transportation into the Land of Sweets is like waking into one of my childish dreams that I harbor in my imagination even as an adult. It is like looking outside an airplane window, only dreaming of the night sky, and then suddenly finding myself in it, floating with the clouds and the stars. The greatest sense of magic, however, comes from spending all day and night at the studio for the past two days of the Nutcracker workshop. A dream come true, really...
About Clara:
Clara is
(a) a genetic malfunction;
(b) a yellow sheep;
(c) not a black sheep;
(d) a sister from another mister (and missus).
Possibly, there are two of her. None of her friends have fathers. She spends an unhealthy amount of time admiring Christmas trees.
About Fritz:
Fritz thinks he is superman. At least his skin tone matches his mom's and dad's. His favorite activities include wearing crazy socks, stalking around the house, and snatching presents and hair bows. He does not like receiving clothes as gifts or baring his chest in front of kindergarteners. Van plays a wicked Fritz.
On the nature of party scenes:
In a typical party scene, there are several activities going on at once. Some will be missed by some of the audience. Others will be missed by others of the audience. At the Stahlbaum's Christmas party, if you don't know what to do with yourself, by default you're drinking rum. There is still a lot of rum to get through.
-Deborah fits in a shopping bag
-Don't give Sarah a paper umbrella. She might bat your head off with it.
-Humans can dance like dolls, but not vice versa. Muscle control is redirected to the joints; limbs and head hang and flop unnaturally; movement is highly angular and jagged.
-oooo, exotic!
-oooo, flowers!
-oooo,...egg rolls!
Truth be told, with K playing Drosselmeyer, it is not difficult to play Clara in awe of the great magician. Neither is it difficult to conjure a genuine feeling of wonder, given the circumstances. The scene of the party freeze/appearance of Drosselmeyer is entrancing and full of mystery. The sudden transportation into the Land of Sweets is like waking into one of my childish dreams that I harbor in my imagination even as an adult. It is like looking outside an airplane window, only dreaming of the night sky, and then suddenly finding myself in it, floating with the clouds and the stars. The greatest sense of magic, however, comes from spending all day and night at the studio for the past two days of the Nutcracker workshop. A dream come true, really...
About Clara:
Clara is
(a) a genetic malfunction;
(b) a yellow sheep;
(c) not a black sheep;
(d) a sister from another mister (and missus).
Possibly, there are two of her. None of her friends have fathers. She spends an unhealthy amount of time admiring Christmas trees.
About Fritz:
Fritz thinks he is superman. At least his skin tone matches his mom's and dad's. His favorite activities include wearing crazy socks, stalking around the house, and snatching presents and hair bows. He does not like receiving clothes as gifts or baring his chest in front of kindergarteners. Van plays a wicked Fritz.
On the nature of party scenes:
In a typical party scene, there are several activities going on at once. Some will be missed by some of the audience. Others will be missed by others of the audience. At the Stahlbaum's Christmas party, if you don't know what to do with yourself, by default you're drinking rum. There is still a lot of rum to get through.
-Deborah fits in a shopping bag
-Don't give Sarah a paper umbrella. She might bat your head off with it.
-Humans can dance like dolls, but not vice versa. Muscle control is redirected to the joints; limbs and head hang and flop unnaturally; movement is highly angular and jagged.
Monday, December 13, 2010
-barre focused on inner and outer rotation starting from 6th (parallel) position
-while most of our backs are turned, a coat of all-natural coffee-based varnish is applied to the wooden floor in the direction of the grain
-the Spanish dance is made up of 3 concepts (A,B,C) and a tack-on (B.5)
Rules 1-3 in game of ballet: turnout, squareness, and distribution & transference of weight
-rond de jambe begins in first to explore rule 3; head moves as weight is transferred
-directions: write rules 1-3 on hand in non-toxic ink, leave for long time until ink dissolves into bloodstream and enters brain
Where are we? Corner 3. We are here to create a functional self. Why is it beautiful? Beauty is the end result of some inner transformation. Has anyone heard of the fat cat who died? His name was Prince Chunk. Cause of death? 30% myocardial infarction and 70% lack of free will.
-while most of our backs are turned, a coat of all-natural coffee-based varnish is applied to the wooden floor in the direction of the grain
-the Spanish dance is made up of 3 concepts (A,B,C) and a tack-on (B.5)
Rules 1-3 in game of ballet: turnout, squareness, and distribution & transference of weight
-rond de jambe begins in first to explore rule 3; head moves as weight is transferred
-directions: write rules 1-3 on hand in non-toxic ink, leave for long time until ink dissolves into bloodstream and enters brain
Where are we? Corner 3. We are here to create a functional self. Why is it beautiful? Beauty is the end result of some inner transformation. Has anyone heard of the fat cat who died? His name was Prince Chunk. Cause of death? 30% myocardial infarction and 70% lack of free will.
Nutcracker Workshop 2010, Day 1
-we channel our inner child
-a salute to Hoffman (author of the original Nutcracker tale) as the mechanical dolls are cranked to life; the stubborn pulley looks on jealously; one of the doll's ears is rather red
-Clara gets caught admiring a telephone pole on the way home from rehearsal
-a salute to Hoffman (author of the original Nutcracker tale) as the mechanical dolls are cranked to life; the stubborn pulley looks on jealously; one of the doll's ears is rather red
-Clara gets caught admiring a telephone pole on the way home from rehearsal
Thursday, December 9, 2010
-the prima ballerina was noticeably absent this evening
-a fancy adagio with fancy fillers; I love being fancy!
-failli: pull forward, release back toe, then turn
-pique arabesque is a lever/seesaw move: lean torso (the "load") backward; throw front foot down into floor with purpose (the "effort"); push off supporting leg (the "fulcrum") and pull it actively into a high arabesque
-double dutch pass
-a fancy adagio with fancy fillers; I love being fancy!
-failli: pull forward, release back toe, then turn
-pique arabesque is a lever/seesaw move: lean torso (the "load") backward; throw front foot down into floor with purpose (the "effort"); push off supporting leg (the "fulcrum") and pull it actively into a high arabesque
-double dutch pass
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A new rug graces the studio floor. It slips around easily and smells of childhood plastic dolls. Before class, it is a good place for a snooze; after class, it is a good place for a stretch.
Proposition 3.14: Sometimes, listening to the rhythm of the combination is more helpful than analyzing each individual step.
Example: SAU-te-STEP-kick-kick-SAU-te-STEP-kick-kick-...And speaking of which, why walk when one can SAU-te-STEP-kick-kick one's way home?
The items in the following list can be both a blessing and a curse, & should thus be used/treated with care:
-hyperextended knees
-kundalini yoga
-self-awareness
-tallness
-shortness
-OCD & most other personality traits
-children
A note on the end of the beginning: The last 3 women standing in the Absolute Beginner class are real winners. The progress over the last 12 weeks has been marvelous to watch. Rest assured, this is just the beginning of a beautiful obsession. See you in Basic Beginner and Beyond!
-reaching over in port-de-corps en rond to the side
-sucking in stomach to pull up from gravity in pirouettes;
-opening/shooting leg out to side in fouettes
-leaning upper torso slightly forward when standing in 5th & pushing into floor through inside of foot and sit-bones while pulling up through and separating rib cage
Proposition 3.14: Sometimes, listening to the rhythm of the combination is more helpful than analyzing each individual step.
Example: SAU-te-STEP-kick-kick-SAU-te-STEP-kick-kick-...And speaking of which, why walk when one can SAU-te-STEP-kick-kick one's way home?
The items in the following list can be both a blessing and a curse, & should thus be used/treated with care:
-hyperextended knees
-kundalini yoga
-self-awareness
-tallness
-shortness
-OCD & most other personality traits
-children
A note on the end of the beginning: The last 3 women standing in the Absolute Beginner class are real winners. The progress over the last 12 weeks has been marvelous to watch. Rest assured, this is just the beginning of a beautiful obsession. See you in Basic Beginner and Beyond!
-reaching over in port-de-corps en rond to the side
-sucking in stomach to pull up from gravity in pirouettes;
-opening/shooting leg out to side in fouettes
-leaning upper torso slightly forward when standing in 5th & pushing into floor through inside of foot and sit-bones while pulling up through and separating rib cage
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
"What's going on over there?"
"Asthma attack. No worries."
When's a good time to have an asthma attack at Symmetry?
(a) any time between now and January 2011
(b) after January 2011
(c) there is never a good time for an asthma attack; it just happens, and it's almost never a good time
Answer: (a); K's CPR certification expires in January 2011
"Asthma attack. No worries."
When's a good time to have an asthma attack at Symmetry?
(a) any time between now and January 2011
(b) after January 2011
(c) there is never a good time for an asthma attack; it just happens, and it's almost never a good time
Answer: (a); K's CPR certification expires in January 2011
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Kip's Tips (K-tips! Not recommended for use in ears):
-make grand battement a dual-purpose exercise by throwing fast, but catching and holding leg at highest point
-in fondu, establish correct position immediately by (a) using floor to push onto supporting leg and (b) hitting coupe immediately. No peeling! In this art form, every tiny detail matters
-to hold a balance, energy is concentrated along length of abs and hips, rather than in upper back
Longest pirouettes-from-5th exercise EVER. A balance-heavy class.
-make grand battement a dual-purpose exercise by throwing fast, but catching and holding leg at highest point
-in fondu, establish correct position immediately by (a) using floor to push onto supporting leg and (b) hitting coupe immediately. No peeling! In this art form, every tiny detail matters
-to hold a balance, energy is concentrated along length of abs and hips, rather than in upper back
Longest pirouettes-from-5th exercise EVER. A balance-heavy class.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
-"ah...SSEMBLE! ah...SSEMBLE! ah...SSEMBLE!" Bless you, K. (Starts to sound like a sneeze after awhile.)
-by the way, in assemble, the turn is not what it's all about*; the turn is a result of the function of croise
-in glissade, keep working foot on the floor until the "right" moment
-arms in first during pas de bourree; do not let this advice fly
-in general, assume all advice is directed toward you; make every lesson a private lesson
-Baby Bianca came in wearing her "toot-toot"! Awww...(sound of my <3 melting)
*in the hokey-pokey on the other hand, the turn is what it's all about
-by the way, in assemble, the turn is not what it's all about*; the turn is a result of the function of croise
-in glissade, keep working foot on the floor until the "right" moment
-arms in first during pas de bourree; do not let this advice fly
-in general, assume all advice is directed toward you; make every lesson a private lesson
-Baby Bianca came in wearing her "toot-toot"! Awww...(sound of my <3 melting)
*in the hokey-pokey on the other hand, the turn is what it's all about
-Skinnamalinky-leaky-leak, skinnamalinky-loo! I love you! The "Small Leak" song.
-Garlic symme-tree. Bulbs fly off as the wind howls like a hard drive gone haywire.
-Toe shoes briefing: permutation of shank, platform, and vamp generates over 3000 varieties. Fuzzy math.
-Brahms is benign. Whatever they play downstairs is malignant.
-Schooling vs. lack of schooling. Dancing only from the neck down is an alien concept. Dancing from the waist down...is salsa.
-Farrago: a confused mixture; a hodgepodge. Of agrarian origin (a mixture of fodder for cattle). The American school is a farrago of different techniques. Even in ballet, we are a melting pot and celebrate the individual.
-What brought you here this morning? The wind. And the rain. The need to dance.
-Garlic symme-tree. Bulbs fly off as the wind howls like a hard drive gone haywire.
-Toe shoes briefing: permutation of shank, platform, and vamp generates over 3000 varieties. Fuzzy math.
-Brahms is benign. Whatever they play downstairs is malignant.
-Schooling vs. lack of schooling. Dancing only from the neck down is an alien concept. Dancing from the waist down...is salsa.
-Farrago: a confused mixture; a hodgepodge. Of agrarian origin (a mixture of fodder for cattle). The American school is a farrago of different techniques. Even in ballet, we are a melting pot and celebrate the individual.
-What brought you here this morning? The wind. And the rain. The need to dance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)