Introductions / Laban's Concept of Choreutics

 

I

Unit:  Laban's Concept of Choreutics

Theme: DIRECTIONS, LEVELS, SPACE


II

Introduction 

 

Rudolf Laban (15 December 1879 – 1 July 1958), was an Austro-Hungarian dance artist and theorist. He is considered one of the pioneers of modern dance in Europe as the "Founding Father of the Expressionist Dance" in Germany. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of dance. Today, we will discuss Laban's concept of choreutics by exploring directions, levels and space.

 

 III

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the meaning of the word choreutics
  • Explain how directions and levels in space relate to choreutics
  • Gain awareness of the spatial possibilities directions and levels add to movement
  • Experience the harmonic qualities of dance and movement when choreuticized
  • Reflect on the work done in class

 

IV

Main Lesson


1

ACTIVITY


a) Introduce yourself to the group by saying your name, where you come from, your major, if you have any physical training [dance, martial arts, sports, yoga, etc], your expectations about the course.

b) Write a brief introduction of yourself in which you summarize who you are. Post your introduction on  Discussion Board.   


2

WARM UP



3

MOVEMENT EXPLORATION
 
Students are guided through pedestrian movements in which they explore:

DIRECTIONS

LEVELS

SPACE


4

Introduction of Rudolph Laban's concept of choreutics experientially as a foundation for next class.


Laban believed that the key for the unfolding of human capacities was embedded on the dynamic configurations of dance. He also believed that  humans could enhance their creative powers by becoming aware of the nature of shapes and rhythms through which living organisms express and communicate.

Laban goes on to define Choreutics as “the practical study of harmonised movement.” Latter day colleagues of Laban’s, such as Valerie Preston-Dunlop and Vera Maletic, have delineated Choreutics respectively as the “spatial organization for dance” and “the theory and practice of ordering movement in space.”

Laban, R. v. (1966). Choreutics: Annotated and Ed.by L. Ullmann. United Kingdom: Macdonald & Evans.

What is Rudolf Laban’s Choreutics? MoveScape. https://movescapecenter.com/rudolf-laban-choreutics/



Question

Based on your experience in class with directions, levels and space as well as Laban's definition above, explain in your own words the the concept of choreutics.

5



ACTIVITY

Students divide themselves in groups of 4 and create an 8 movements phrase using levels and directions within a cube. They add the music from the video above to their phrase.


V
 
A Note to Remember
 
 Choreutics is “the practical study of harmonized movement.” 
 
 
VI
 
Case Study 
 
Choreutics Workshop

According to Catherine Habasque, Carlos Iturrioz has a 180 degrees view on the Dance World and this all at the highest level, from being a Principal Dancer to becoming co-director of the National Spanish Company and now one of the most recognized impresario / agent / producer on the field. In the video bellow, Iturrioz is teaching a workshop on choreutics using geometric figures as a reference.


 
https://fb.watch/u3TnxUwd2i/


VII
 Glossary 

VIII
Sources

IX
 JOURNALING


Write a brief reflection about your experience in class today and post it on Discussion Board. Find two posts you would like to interact with.


X

Students' Work

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