Space: Personal, Collective and Expansive

Using levels and directions being aware of "space"

SPACE

Students were made aware of the outer space defined by the studio's walls. They were also made aware of the studio as their collective space, as opposed to their own personal and individual space, also called kinesphere.  

The term 'kinesphere' was coined by choreographer Rudolf Laban and is defined as: the sphere around the body whose periphery can be reached by easily extended limbs without stepping away from that place which is the point of support when standing on one foot.

By reducing the studio space to one half, one fourth and one eighth, students began to understand how space affects body awareness, body interpersonal relations, pathways, size and focus.

As the space was reduced, interactions became more playful, students began to laugh, let go, relax with each other and free themselves. In the process of exploring space they became playful, they accessed their inner child. This sense of awe a little child has, which we forget about as we become adults, is necessary to be creative, wondrous, make mistakes without feeling guilty or self conscious, learn without worries, take risks without fear of failing.

Concepts to remember

directions

levels

space

kinesphere

Resources

The Elements of Dance. https://www.elementsofdance.org/space.html

Space and Relationship.  https://thespaceintherelationship.wordpress.com/kinesphere/