WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Spoken Rhythms explores the magic of words and movement.  The workshop begins with movement, breathing, sound, and word exercises. Participants will develop expressive skills as they experience the creative potential of whole body movement. Exploration of themes will include heritage, tradition and interpretation of a short text Alan Watts.

 

APPROACH 1: HERITAGE

The first approach to Spoken Rhythms is inspired by Kecak, originally a trance ritual accompanied by a Balinese male chorus. In the 1930s, Walter Spies, a German painter and musician, became deeply interested in the ritual while living in Bali. He adapted it as a drama, based on the Hindu Ramayana and including dance. We will explore the use of the human voice while moving through circular patterns in the space.

 

APPROACH 2: TRADITION

The next approach to Spoken Rhythms is inspired by community dance rituals which have historically held an essential place in the good health and functioning of traditional cultures around the World. Ancient cultures have used dance rituals for various purposes. It is difficult to explain what truly happens during a dance ritual, but it is not difficult to observe the positive effects that participants experience. Through chants and co-creative movement, we will explore our insights, visions, healings or feelings of release to experience a journey through this type of event.

 

APPROACH 3: INTERPRETATION OF SHORT TEXT

The final approach to Spoken Rhythms is a significant starting point for investigating the use of dialogue or texts to influence and enhance performance. Speech and text intensifies aspects of performance culture by its connection with societal issues, such as economics, religion, emotional entanglements, tradition and explores literature, song and other texts. Mostly an audience would merely absorb the movement and the aesthetics without focusing on how the piece was derived and constructed. However words have a powerful influence over the art form of dance as well as theatre or music. We will explore this form of storytelling, questioning and remaking of an identity. The interaction between poetry/speech and dance can create a new art form with a more powerful effect than either might have produced alone.

 

*SHORT TEXT: To have faith is to trust yourself to the water. When you swim you don't grab hold of the water, because if you do you will sink and drown. Instead you relax, and float. - Alan Watts
 

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