Contraction: term introduced by the modern dancer and choreographer Martha Graham as one of the key elements of her own dance technique. It refers to the forward curving of the spine, starting from the pelvic zone .
How contraction and release are being performed?
The contraction, or strong pulling back and curving of the torso , and the release of this movement by returning to a straight torso are symbolic of the dichotomies in life. ... The torso and pelvis, in this way, are the central focus of the movement, while the arms and legs move in concert with the spine.
What is a contraction in jazz dance?
Another popular jazz move is the “contraction.” A contraction is accomplished by contracting the torso, with the back curved outward and the pelvis pulled forward .
What is a contraction Martha Graham?
Martha Graham, 1991. A classic Graham contraction is a movement originating from the deep pelvic muscles . These muscles, along with the abdominal muscles, pull the spine into a concave arc from the coccyx to the nape of the neck, with the pelvis tucked and shoulders forward.
What are the dynamics in dance?
DYNAMICS – HOW the dancer moves eg fast/slow, sudden/sustained, acceleration/deceleration, strong/light, direct/indirect, flowing/abrupt . SPACE – WHERE the dancer moves eg pathways, levels, directions, size of movements, patterns, spatial design.
What is the Limón technique?
Limón technique emphasizes the natural rhythms of fall and recovery , a conscious use of breath, and the interplay between weight and weightlessness. It provides dancers with an organic approach to movement that easily adapts to a range of choreographic styles.
What are the two main principles of Graham technique?
Fundamental principles in Graham Technique include contraction and release, opposition, shift of weight and spirals .
What is the most accurate definition of a contraction?
The definition of contraction is the lengthening or shortening of a muscle fiber or a word formed by combining the sounds of two longer words . An example of a contraction is the action of the uterus during the birth process.
How many styles of dance are there?
21 Different Types of Dance and It’s Styles.
Where did Graham perform after leaving the denishawn school?
She left Denishawn to become a featured dancer in the Greenwich Village Follies revue , where she remained for two years.
How did Twyla Tharp impact dance?
Twyla Tharp is one of America’s most important contemporary dance choreographers. Since graduating from Barnard College in 1963, she has choreographed more than 125 dances, five Hollywood movies, directed and choreographed two Broadway shows, written two books, and received numerous awards.
What is contraction and release in dance?
Key elements in the Martha Graham technique of modern dance. They refer to the action of the body at the moment of the exhalation of breath (the contraction) and the moment of inhalation (the release) .
What are the 5 basic actions in dance?
The 5 actions of dance – jump, turn, travel, gesture and stillness .
What are the 7 principles of dance?
Therefore centring, alignment, gravity, use of breath, contraction and release, fall and recovery, balance and off-balance, tension and relaxation, opposition, succession, spiral, swing and momentum are all recognised principles that I have explored in my study of contemporary technique.
What are the 6 dance actions?
rotate, revolve, cartwheel, pivot, half/full turn, twirl and pirouettes .
