Blog Post 1- Choreographic Tasks

To commence the choreographic process of our solo piece we were given some choreographic tasks by our teacher to guide us into the thought process of this module. We were given three choreographic tasks.

The first task was influenced by Merce Cunningham’s Chance Method. In pairs, we picked a selection of random numbers and then associated the number we picked with the words in a book. (The six sides of Merce Cunningham, 2021). After analysing the words that were selected by the Chance Method, we then took it into our interpretation and created movement/ sequences. Reflecting on how productive this task made me, I think this choreographic method gave me a lot of useful structure and kept me in a focused mindset with creating movements associated with the words/ meaning of the sequence. I intend to use this for my creative process because it made me stay focussed on the task whilst maintaining a positive mindset. 

The second task was established from a picture in your camera roll. The photo, like the first task in that the image was randomly selected, was a photo of me napping on a mattress with a square bedsheet. My partner and I analysed the image, and we concentrated on the pattern of the image with the straight lines and square structure. When evaluating our ideas, we realised we had taken the photo very literally and turned our attention to the essence of the photo and how, as the viewer, it made us feel. In response, we discussed how it was a calm and safe image and described the angle that the photo was taken from. When creating our sequence there were a lot of sharp and dynamic shapes which we would then contrast into more soft movements and arm lines. In response to the angle of the image, we did most of the sequence using floorwork and lower levels. Looking back on the task a challenge that I faced was finding something specific in the image to focus a movement on. At first, I felt very overwhelmed with the vague image as I didn’t know what part of the image to focus on. I think I should develop this task further into my process because it challenged me mentally to be out of my comfort zone of not having a specific structure. 

Taking these choreographic methods into consideration I feel they greatly assisted me with productivity and my approach towards this choreography process. Moving forward I would want to develop the tasks to make them more personal to me and my chosen stimulus. I  find it beneficial that I faced a challenge within the second task as it means if I encounter a similar obstacle going forwards, I know how to regain focus and reset my attention.


Bibliography:

2021. The six sides of Merce Cunningham. [video] Available at: <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJeum_kxSV8> [Accessed 29 September 2021].

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