AC/DC is a term that applies to electrical currents. DC means direct current and AC is alternating current. With direct current, the electrons (either positive or negative) travel in one direction. With alternating current, voltage is continually changing between positive (+) and negative (-). Typically, DC gets hotter quicker and handles low voltages like in batteries best . Electricity can travel great distances in AC and can handle much higher charges. It also tends to remain cooler over time.
Traditionally, ballet is taught in a DC kind of way. The teacher gives the exercises. The students receive them through their senses and create memory files of information. The students then dance from these memory files. With one direction for information to move, students tend to overheat.
In Dance 108, as in other classes at the UW and elsewhere, an alternating current is employed. The traditional model is used and then juxtaposed with creative play and improvisation in order to refresh and reset the body and mind of the students. Students tend to receive information more easily with these refreshing periods.
What does this alternating current feel like in your ballet class? How does ballet feel? How does improv feel? Do you enjoy both equally? How is the transition between the two? What is most challenging to you as a dancer in this approach?
35 comments:
When I get a comibination sometimes it is hard for me to relax and remember it. I get tense from overloading on information. If I relax and make patterns in my head I tend to remember it very easily.
When we are expected to do whatever we feel, like improv, I get uncomfortable. I am not secure in self enough to just dance anything, yet doing nothing looks worse. On the other hand, it is good to take a break from remembering patterns, maybe take a stretch.
Sometimes there can be a rough transition when I forget to count. So it is most challenging to remember to count when I am freely dancing or stretching in any way that I feel is apropriate.
The alternating current feels good, particularly in ballet, which is a very rigid dance form. Ballet feels very set - you do it "right" or you do it "wrong". Improv feels looser.
I have to admit that I don't enjoy both equally because I don't like improv, but I do like the couple eight-counts in between exercises as a chance to get in touch with your body and move what needs to be moved.
Transitioning between improv and ballet is difficult, because in improv, I am telling myself to let go and relax (and I have a much harder time counting because I don't have a movement pattern to reference), and then coming back to ballet you have to immediately get into correct posture and correct alignment. It can be a challenging swtich.
Personally, I enjoy structure in Ballet to a certain extent which is why I enjoy and chose to take ballet rather than modern dance. However, Ballet also allows room for your own personal expression and emotion. With this said, it is hard for me to improv and create my own combination thereby making it hard to enjoy both ballet and improv equally. During improv, I feel awkward and lost. The transition is rather rough with uneasiness at times. Consequently, as a dancer, it is harder for me to approach improv with ease and fluidity. I think with time and practice though, it shall become more natural.
The first day of class, I wasn't so sure about all the "crazy" improv stuff that was going to be happening and things that weren't "traditional" ballet. But I can say now that even after a few times of this alternating current method that I enjoy ballet so much more than I thought I could. I always had trouble (and still do) when I used to do ballet remembering what I was told to do and when, but I'm starting to remember things easier and I think it is because of the improv. At first, the improv is somewhat awkward because I don't really know what to do and it goes back to the traditional mindset of being told what to do. I'm starting to figure out how to make it beneficial to me though. During the improv time, I can use the time to stretch or practice something that I can't quite seem to get and I find it extremely helpful.
I do find I enjoy both equally now. The transition into improv I find very easy, but the challenge is getting back into the proper position to continue the exercise. Sometimes I forget to count while improving and have to quickly get back into the exercise and remember what I'm doing.
As I have only experienced a traditional teaching method of ballet until now, it has been a hard adjustment on my part. I still do not feel completely comfortable with improvisation and would rather, in all honesty, experience a traditional ballet class. I think that I would be more comfortable with creating a bar exercise for the class or possibly part of a routine, but when I am prompted to move my body at the bar, as I choose, I am at a loss. Hopefully this class will teach me to accept and eventually become confident in this improvisation.
As of now it is much easier for me to respond to traditional methods when it comes to ballet. I have experienced improvisation in other dance forms- jazz, tap, hip-hop, but very rarely ballet.
All in all, I hope I can train my brain to accept, ideally, both.
Both are good for me, but for now, i prefer the "direct" way, because the alternating sometimes makes me confused and its difficult for me to "let go". and also to come back to the count.i guess im not used to it after all. but im sure with time, it will be better
Alternatination , like alternating current, prevent us from getting "burn out" , because of a same routine that go on and on , also it helps you to be creative and expressive.
I've always had a bit of trouble recalling combinations even if i feel comfortable with the choreography as I'm learning it. This, I think, is why i enjoy this direct learning to a greater extent then improv. I'm practicing and improving on a skill i know i'll appreciate in many situations even outside the classroom. I still enjoy the improv. though, as a chance to stretch muscles that were too cold during the ten minutes or so before class.
I agree with most of the other students who have responded in that the transition between improv and traditional ballet is the most difficult part of the experience, but most likely is the best part in terms of growing as a dancer in that it requires this sort of mental paradox. Concentration is key to stay on track and arrive back on the barr at the appropriate moment and at the same time you must convince yourself to relax your concentration and move in a way that suits you.
As a side note: I also have to remind myself that no one is looking at my silly movements during the improvisation becuase they're all too busy thinking everyone else is judging their silly movements. So really, we're all just a happy bunch of crazy people doin' the thing.
-erika bergman
to erika:
true, thanks for reminding me to stop thinking that i will look silly doing the improv, cuz no one is really looking anyway. *fingers crossed*
:)
Alternating between improvisation and ballet exercises my mind to a greater extent that simply doing one or the other exclusively. This mental exercise feels great. I feel a heightened awareness in my body and to the choreography.
For me, ballet is a piston in a worn out engine. It moves in a strict pattern with slight individual variations. The movement is beautiful and structured.
Improvisation is the water flowing into a water wheel. It has a specific place to go, but the ultimate shape and design depend on the water ahead and behind it. It is beautiful and free to interpretation.
Transitioning between the water and the piston requires an adjustment not only in body, but also in the presence of the individual. In ballet, the mind sends a series of movements and the body follows making slight adjustments as needed. In improv, the mind initiates a movement but it is the body's responsibility to interpret and expand that movement into the current surroundings.
The challenge, for me as a dancer, arises as the transition between the two is made. My mind and body have different responsibilities in ballet and improv. Switching these responsibilities "on and off" requires a greater presence than would be required while working in one or the other.
I feel comfortable with alternative current although I had been strongly convinced that ballet must be taught in direct current. This class was the first alternative current class of ballet for me, so I was awkward during the improv time at first, having no idea what to do. But this improv time which allow me to rellax and be productive at the same time changed my mind. I realized that the rigid and strict lesson is not the only way to approach to be a good dancer. What is important is being happy and expressive, which will be possible more easily when you truly enjoy it.
I enjoy both style of dancing, and even the transision between them. I would say the difficulty is how dramatically I can shift my mind and expression between them. I think it will need some time, but if I could do it, I could definately enjoy the both more.
Alternating current definitely refreshes my body and mind in ballet class. However, as a beginner ballet dancer I haven't yet gained enough confidence and experience in ballet to improvise with certainty. But with more exposure and practice, I've learned to enjoy it and improvise with self-possession. I do not enjoy both equally because there are different aspects of each that I take and receive as enjoyment.
The transition between the two is what I personally feel as being tricky. My mind is set to remember the first counts to a ballet sequence.. and then it needs to be turned off to improvise for another sequence. My body will tend to lead without my mind. Therefore, returning to another ballet sequence after I improvise seems a bit harder. And that is what I find challenging in this approach as a dancer.
The AC current in this class is still fairly new to me. I am very used to very structured classes with little to no room for improvisation, so it is taking me a little while to embrace the "silliness" of how it feels sometimes. I enjoy both doing things I want and having formal directions. I agree that students tend to do better with the refreshing periods because it gives me a chance to refocus myself. Especially if I JUST messed up before. I think once I fully embrace this idea I will really start to love it.
I enojoy much more with the direct current compared with the alternative current. I feel when the teacher teach in direct way, i absorb right away and encoding to my brain, then i start practice the dance and dance for it.
I do not really enjoy both equally, because i still feel the direct way of teaching is more effective for me and i learn much more faster with it. In alternative way, i feel i am confusing sometimes because i can not count all the counts then i get annoying.
The trasitioning between improv and ballet is different because in improv i have hard time to counting it but in ballet i can get the correct movement and posture right away.
The most challenge part as a dancer in this approach to these two is that we have to learn improv and ballet at same time and balance both in the same time as well. Both improv and ballet have different types of responsibility which as a dancer individual have to learn and get used to the pattern. I think this is very chanllege.
I remember you talking about this in class today. The first time we added improv into our exercises I was thinking "ummm isn't this ballet?" But I think that the alternating current between ballet and improv is a good thing. It's not hard for me because we improv all the time! When you go to a party or a club do you have a specific dance routine that you are going to do? I just think it's hard for people to accept change. I also do Hip Hop dancing which calls for improv sometimes, and now I have a way to relate it to my ballet class.
The alternating current is an effective teaching style because it allows students to engage with the material. I believe this is the case because the brain learns best when an individual is interactive with the people around them and the material given. THe improvisation segments mixed with the codified steps allows me to feel liberated and I feel inpsired to do ballet. I feel inspired because there are less feeling of anxiety to perform an exact step just as the teacher executed or thoughts of I am not doing this right. Rather I can ivest my personality into the improvisation(something I trust and feel cofident about) and come back and apply that positive energy into my ballet movements and make more connections and corrections to creating the aesethtic lines and qualities applied to dancing Ballet.
Because ballet is such a structured dance and either "your doing it or your not" its good to have improv. When we are doing improv my body feels free and I seem to let loose more so then when doing combinations. I'm use to dancing hip hop where your encouraged to be spontaneous and let loose. I'm still getting use to the transitions between the two because they are two totally different feelings.
Because ballet is such a structured dance and either "your doing it or your not" its good to have improv. When we are doing improv my body feels free and I seem to let loose more so then when doing combinations. I'm use to dancing hip hop where your encouraged to be spontaneous and let loose. I'm still getting use to the transitions between the two because they are two totally different feelings.
At first, this alternating current is a little disorienting because I try to completely change my frame of mind from structured to freely improvised in one beat. But then as I get used to making this change through repetition, the improvised periods enhance my structured dancing because it's fun and it's a challenge to flip back and forth - it's like jumping out of my mind for a moment and then becoming completely focused on my prior task in a split second. I enjoy both equally, but I definitely enjoy the improvised parts more when evverryyoonne gets reallyyyy into it. :)
I enjoy the AC approach. I like alternating the traditional ballet approach with the more relaxed improvisational segments. The ballet portion feels more strict. More controlled and not as free as the improvisational portion. I worry more during the ballet portion about my technique and if I'am doing it right.
I really enjoy the improv portion of class. I feel freer and find it the most fun. I never feel worried during this portion of class. The best part is that the improv portion relaxes me so that I am more ready for the concentration the ballet portion takes.
The only problem I have with the transition is that I can get so into the improv portion that I have a hard time getting back into the ballet.
In my ballet class this alternating current feels refreshing. Sometimes we seem to get stuck on just doing the moves precisely and we forget that we are actually dancing as well.
Ballet feels extremely precise and strict. Improv feels free and exciting. I enjoy improv more then ballet because I get to do whatever I want. :) The transition between the two is often difficult because sometimes you aren't sure what to do but then once you get in the groove it gets a little bit easier.
The alternating current in this class feels sorta awkward because I am so use to learning ballet the traditional way. I am not sure whether traditional ballet was drilled into my brain or may it be that I have learned to enjoy it alot over the years, but I feel more comfortable with it. I have done some improv, but definetely not in a ballet class. Sometimes I begin to feel more stiff during the improv moments because I am challenged to shift dance modes. I must say I like ballet more than doing the improv but I can see how some people may been more comfortable with the improv because it allows them to feeling move their body in whichever way they feel without having to think to much. For me, I believe it's more challenging to do improv because I feel like I have to think more about the timing and flow of everything especially during the times in which we have to transition back into a ballet combination.
I really enjoy the fact that our ballet class is taught in an "AC" sort of way. Part of the reason why I stopped taking ballet classes in middle school was because I didn't enjoy just repeating the same boring exercises over and over again. The improv parts of Dance 108 allow me to express myself in different ways, and allow me to take the technical skills that I am learning and apply them to my own personal style of movement. One difficulty that I do have is breaking out of my shell. I tend to resort to the same moves over and over again every time we have a chance to improv. Over the quarter I hope to expand the moves and steps that I feel comfortable performing during improv sections.
Lisa Meyer
Using an alternating current in ballet class feels much differently than using a direct current in ballet. It like, I'm moving at this steady choreographed beat, and then, oh wow I'm free now, and then back to the same beat. Somehow I've become so accustomed to using the direct current method in ballet, that I feel like I actually tense up during the improv moments, which is something I would like to loosen up in. I think I am tense because I am always anticipating when I will have to start the combination again. I enjoy both though. The transition into improv is also something I would like to work on. I felt like last week I turned all of my improv into choreography and ended up doing the same moves for each improv session, essentially ruining the whole point of the improv. What is most challenging to me in dancing in an alternating current, is being able to loosen up and use the improv to help me in that area.
What does this alternating current feel like in your ballet class? How does ballet feel? How does improv feel? Do you enjoy both equally? How is the transition between the two? What is most challenging to you as a dancer in this approach?
This alternating current is refreshing as it allows for mental and physical freedom. The mental freedom occurs during improv, in which your body just lets go and does what it wants. The physical pressure is relieved when I hear steps I am to perform because I know them already and allow the class to have rules, patterns and expectations. I don't really enjoy improv as much because I don't feel as if my body can make that many interesting movements that will be worth remembering for future choreography, it is mostly a mental relief. The transition is tough because you must remember the counts and remember to hit the moves on the right counts to go back into the patterns without looking too crazy.
I have always taken very structured dance classes. You do what the teacher tells you and they correct you if you do it wrong. It feels a little weird going from structured to improvisation and then back to structure again. i do like structure in ballet, but i feel it is just something to get used to. i am sure it will be easier to transition for AC to DC and vise versa with more and more classes.
Although it can be hard to perfectly remember ballet exercises that you give us, I enjoy those the most. I like trying to imitate the technique and moves to the best of my ability. I like the technique aspect of it rather than the improv because I like repeating the movements and dancing traditional ballet. The hardest part for me too is remembering to always count because that can sometimes throw me off. The alternating AC/DC does make for a nice break and time to clear my mind but I always do like coming back to the traditional ballet
Alternating improv with traditional ballet is definitely something that is new to me, but so far I have been enjoying the experience. I have realized that mixing improv in with ballet, for me, has the effect of helping me loosen up a little bit and helps me remember to have fun. I think it does make remembering counts and combinations a little easier as well. The transition from ballet to improv feels liberating - like I am exhaling after I've been holding my breath for a while. So far, the most challenging thing to me has been "letting go" in my improv and just dancing rather than being so conscious of what everyone around me is doing. However, I feel like I am definitely getting used to this and am enjoying it so far.
The alternating current that we use in class has been really hard for me to get used to. I'm used to being taught in a very direct way, and I think that the structure of it all is one of the things that made me fall in love with ballet. Ballet makes me feel very in control. I know what I'm supposed to be doing, and getting new combinations right is very rewarding to me. The improv makes me feel very awkward, and not very ballet-y. Some of it I'm sure is just my needing to open up a bit more, but I think it's also just contradictory to what I generally expect from a ballet class. The improv can be fun sometimes, but for the most part I enjoy the direct method of ballet much more. I think that the transition between the two is one of the hardest parts. If I get really into the improv I lose my counts and then am late for the rest of the combination, or if I worry about my counts I cut the improv short and end up just waiting around. The break also tends to make me forget the combination because I'm thinking about the improv and not concentrating on the ballet. I think that all of that is part of the challenge. It's finding the balance between the two and making them work together, and also helping your brain make that transition between the structured and unstructured and then back again.
i have never been in a class where there is such a diverse routine. when we do the improv witch-melting movements, i can feel the ac/dc currents that much better when we have to quickly return to actual routines. all in all the improv really helps me appreicate the tartness/crispness of movements.
I think at one point, I would have been as comfortable with this "ACDC" process. Now I am starting to appreciate challenge it presents, and that how it can be helpful for us. First of all, it gives equal significance to the discipline required to learn establised "language" like ballet, but still with an understanding that the point is for each of us to learn words that will help us speak in our own way.
The AC/DC process has been a surprisingly enjoyable challenge for me. At this point, the two currents seem so opposing. The transition between the two is difficult. It's like "Okay I'm spitting out information and we're doing tombe, pas de burre, glissade, and oh shit I did a saut de chat instead of a pique - but who cares because now I'm a fairy! But when I'm twirling around like a fairy, my find is so free, I'm just enjoying the feeling of the movement. And so when I have to get back into structured mode, I arrive back at 1st position with a blank slate. I freed my mind of all my downloaded material. So, long story short, I need to find a way to ease that transition between structured and relaxed.
The DC has felt safe for me, meaning that I feel a certain comfort in replicating what is fed to me. AC will naturally feel a bit uncomfortable to me, partly because the inner critic tends to jump in with a stronger force at that point. It is hard to 'let go'. But that is exactly why I appreciate the incorporation of it into our class - it is challenging me to move beyond those self-imposed boundaries and develop a deeper relationship to myself, my body, my movement and my creativity. It is also challenging to switch between the two from measure to measure - but I view that as a very valuable way of keeping track of measures and the balance of letting go but thinking ahead enough to know that you have to end up somewhere specific by a certain time.
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