“It was really fresh and
new for me to actually juts pick up a pillow and sit it on my lap
instead of trying to do some fancy spin and just do it like a natural
action. I realized that was more interesting." - Carrie Le
Baron, ASU
Brief Description of the Lesson:
In this lesson the students are introduced to choreographer Yvonne
Rainer, a founding member of the Judson Dance Theater. Students
view Chair/Pillow (1973), listen to the performance notes,
and learn about the meaning of the work by Yvonne Rainer. In Chair/Pillow
Yvonne Rainer investigated minimalist dance using two props (a chair
and a pillow). Students explore passing a prop from one person to
the next person in a task-like manner. These movement explorations
require students to develop group communication, focus, and problem
solving skills.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon the completion of the lesson, students will be able to:
- demonstrate different ways to transfer a prop both stationary
and while moving through space
- move together as a group with a prop, while solving a movement
problem
- make individual movement choices while remaining focused, aware
and connected to a group
The Lesson:
Introduction
a.) Sharing of cut-up poems: In small groups,
students share their cut-up poems and discuss the effects the element
of chance had on this activity.
b.) Discussion: Students view interviews by Yvonne
Rainer and Pat Catterson discussing the work of Chair/Pillow and
the period of time. Then students read an interview of Anna Halprin
by Yvonne Rainer regarding tasks (Appendix E).
Movement Exploration #1: Transferring a Prop
a.) Transferring a Prop: Students divide into
three groups and create three lines. A prop (box, pillow, or basket)
is handed out to the head of each line. The dancers transfer the
prop to the dancer behind them without affective “dancey”
quality. The students are instructed to consider the prop’s
characteristics focusing on the elements of weight, space and relationship.
Students transfer their prop down the line and back up again with
functional quality.
b.) Collectively Transferring a Prop: Students
divide into three groups and each group is given a large box and
a problem to solve while moving from spot A to spot B in the room.
Problems to solve include: transferring a prop without using hands,
transferring a prop with everyone connected to it all times using
different body parts, and transferring a prop with eyes closed.
c.) Sharing Transferring a Prop: Each group shares
their solution.
d.) Discussion: The instructor leads a group discussion
on the issues each group faced when solving the problem.
Movement Exploration #3: Chairs and Pillows
a.) Each student gets a chair and a pillow. Students are instructed
to explore the physical characteristics of the two objects without
being “dancey.” Students should explore the objects
in a “matter of fact” way focusing on the elements of
weight, space, and relationship. Students examine all the ways they
can sit in the chair, move the chair, rest on the pillow, use the
pillow, and move the pillow.
b.) Students create a list of at least three different
functional activities utilizing the chair and pillow.
c.) Students perform their three functional activities
for their peers and students give feedback.
d.) Students view Yvonne Rainer’s Chair/Pillow
on the Interactive Gateway Website and then consider the
different ways Yvonne Rainer used the chairs and pillows in functional
ways.
Closure: Discussion
a.) The students discuss The Object,
an excerpt taken from Time and the Dancing Image by Deborah
Jowitt (Reading #4). The students offer examples of how Judson Dance
Theater choreographers define the types of props that were used.
Students also discuss the challenges they faced in using the props
in a “matter of fact” manner.
b.) Student Reflection #4: Students write the
following reflection, “Define the following words as they
relate to Postmodern dance:
Assessment Strategies:
- Did students find functional ways to explore a box, basket,
chair and pillow?
- Did students collaborate with peers to solve a movement problem
involving the transference of a prop?
- Did students’ cut-up poem demonstrate another method
of chance?
Preparation for this Lesson:
- Reading Assignment #4: Students read The
Object, an excerpt from Time and the Dancing Image by Deborah
Jowitt and read Yvonne Rainer’s Bio on the Interactive
Gateway Website.
- Students turn in Assignment #4.
Lesson Resources:
- Tasks, an excerpt from Yvonne Rainer Interviews Anna Halprin
edited by Michael Kirby (Appendix E)
Homework:
- Homework Assignment #5: Find one item at home
(strainer, luggage, utility box) and write a paragraph describing
the objects characteristics (weight, space, and relationship to
other objects) and how these characteristics contribute to the
manipulation of the item. Write a summary on how they could use
the item in future choreography.
- Students need to bring in a sports photo to class for Lesson
#5.
References:
Interactive Gateway Website. Yvonne Rainer’s Bio.
Jowitt, Deborah. Time and the Dancing Image. Berkely:
University of California Press, 1988.
Schechner, R, Kirby, M (eds). Rainer, Yvonne: Interviews Anna
Halprin. Tulane Drama Review Vol No 2 (special issue), 1965.
|
