How about discussing the more subjective, artistic or intangible concepts in Standard ballroom dancing.
These include:
Flight
Musical Expression
Shape
Light and Shade
Connection
Poise & Line
Balance
Etc.
I don't believe that these concepts are necessarily mutually exclusive. My intention is not to be reductionistic and artificially confine these concepts but rather to find the focus of these often overlapping, interdependent concepts.
These concepts or ideas are achieved through technique. But rather than delve into the detail of the implementation that achieves the goal. I am interested in exploring the goal or the abstract objective itself. I would like to get some feel for the subjectivity of the concept or how different people view these concepts. Together we can explore and discuss the different perceptions, expanding and clarifying these ideas for ourselves and for each other.
Let's start with Flight.
Here are my thoughts on Flight:
Flight describes the quality of movement of the couple. These movements can be progressive, rotational or within the frame itself. The movement must express the character of the dance, the togetherness of the couple, optimal shapes or lines, connection to the music, smoothness (swing dances only), effortlessness, control, momentum, contrast in speed & direction.
Flight is not just the quantity of movement or sheer speed. It's a little more complex than that.Just as Flight can be expressed by acceleration it can also be expressed by deceleration. So stillness is an important component of Flight. You can be absolutely static but the shape, line and contrast you create in “stillness” gives you Flight. So, Flight does not just apply to progressive movements across the floor but also to rotational movements and shapes through the entire frame like sway, rise & fall and static lines.
Can a couple with all the other qualities of flight but poor musical expression still have flight? I would think not because the movement is, in a sense, powered by the music. Music gives movement it's meaning.
What are your thoughts?
Regards,
Len.
