Elements of Dance: Size & Inside Out vs. Outside in Dancers

 

 
Unit: Elements of Dance
Theme: Size & Inside Out / Outside In


I
 
Introduction
 
Last class we discussed place and its derived concepts (self and general space). Today we will explore the concept of size. As a dance concept, size can be big or small, but it can also be near or far. When adding this to what we had discussed about place, size is also about how much space you take when you dance. Added to this concept is the idea of the inside-out dancer versus the outside-in dancer. In terms of space, the inside-out dancer has unlimited space to dance since his/her source of inspiration resides in the mind, the heart, the soul. The out-side dancer, dependent on the physical space, the music and the circumstances, may find that space is a limited element.
 
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II

Learning Objectives
 
Understand the concept of size in dance 
 
Explain the difference between the inside-out and outside-in dancer
 
Experience dance size by creating a movement phrase
 
Reflect on the experience by writing an journal entry

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III

Main Lesson

 
1

WARM UP

 
2

CONTENT

Elements of Dance

 a. Place:
 self-space/general space(also called personal / shared) 

b. Size:
 big/small, near/far 

c. Level: 
 high, middle, low  

d. Direction:
 forward, backward, right, left, up, down, diagonal 

e. Pathway:
  curved, straight, zigzag 

f. Focus: 
single focus or multi focus
 
 
 Size is the magnitude of a body shape or movement, from small to large. Space refers to the space through which the dancer's body moves (general or personal space). Size is part of space.

 
 Question 1

Explain what is size in your  own words.


 
3
 
Inside-Out vs. Outside-In


 Inside-Out Dancers 

1. The inside-out dancers have something inside that they long to express and demonstrate outwardly.

2. Inside out dancers do not rely on anything external. to trigger expression. 

3. Their dance comes from a place deep inside. 

4. Not every one is ready to connect with that inner source of expression and therefore are not able to dance in an inside-out fashion.

5. The inside-out approach allows freedom in the individual's expression. 

6. Although most dancers may begin as outside-in dancers; their goal however should be to move to a place where they are dancing from within; as it was postulated by pioneers of modern dance such as Isadora Duncan, who advised to feel "emotion before motion."



 Outside-In Dancers

1. The outside-in dancers know outwardly which emotion is called for as they make themselves adapt to that emotion. 

2. They are able to move in any situation regardless of their personal feelings. 

3. That is a positive thing that can be used to their advantage. 

4. The negative side to this is that such dancers usually need external direction (the lyrics of the song or someone directly telling them what to do) to express themselves.

5. The outside-in approach does not allow for freedom in the individual's expression since it is subjected to external influences such as music and choreographic demands. 


 Question 2

What is the main difference between an inside-out and an outside-in dancer?

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IV
 
A Note to Remember
 
 As part of the element place, which derives in space, the sub-element size allows the dancer to expand his/her movement from small to large, from near to far. Both, inside-out and outside-in dancers benefit from the spatial quality of size.
 
 
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V
 
Case Study
 
 GNI Dance Company
 
Since 1999  GNI Dance Company has also been a contemporary dance school. Its goal is to create professional dancers and entertainers. They host the Korea Jazzdance Association based in  Seoul.  Their curriculum is specialized in jazz dance, jazz funk, lyrical jazz, jazz ballet, modern jazz and K-pop dance choreography. All the regular courses are focused on quality over quantity, so that dancers can grow together like a team.
 

 Questions 3 & 4

3. In this dance piece, identify big and small, near and far movements. How do these contrasts in size influence the quality of the piece?
 
4. In your opinion, based on the concepts discussed above, are these dancers inside-out or outside-in dancers?

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VI

ACTIVITY

After learning the element of space size, go to your groups and create an 8 movements phrase. 
 
 
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VII
 
 
Reflect on your experience in class  and post your reflection on Discussion Board. 

Revisit your movement phrase from the previous activity and decide if you are inside-out or outside-in dancers. Explain.




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VIII
 
Glossary



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