The Batsheva Dance Company, known for its unique and dynamic movement style, has been a benchmark for contemporary dance technique. Founded by Martha Graham and later led by Ohad Naharin, the company has developed a distinct approach to dance that emphasizes expressiveness, musicality, and physicality. Here are 10 tips to help you perfect your technique in the style of Batsheva Dance Company:
Embrace the Concept of “Gaga”: Gaga is a movement language developed by Ohad Naharin that focuses on sensations rather than traditional dance techniques. It’s about listening to your body and allowing it to move freely, without judgment. To incorporate Gaga into your practice, start by paying attention to your body’s sensations and allowing yourself to move in response to them. For example, try standing with your feet hip-width apart and noticing the sensation of your feet touching the ground. Then, allow your body to move in response to that sensation, without trying to control or manipulate it.
Develop Your Core Strength: A strong core is essential for maintaining balance, control, and fluidity in movement. Engage in exercises that target your abdominal muscles, such as planks, crunches, and leg raises. For instance, try doing a series of planks, holding each one for 30 seconds to a minute, and then resting for 30 seconds before repeating. This will help build the core strength you need to support your movements.
Focus on Floorwork: Batsheva Dance Company’s style often involves intricate floorwork, including rolling, sliding, and crawling. Practice moving in and out of the floor, using your arms and legs to generate power and momentum. Try starting in a standing position and then rolling down onto the floor, using your arms to control your movement and your legs to generate power. Then, practice sliding and crawling across the floor, using your entire body to generate movement.
Experiment with Improvisation: Improvisation is a key component of the Batsheva Dance Company’s style. Set aside time to improvise, allowing yourself to respond to music, textures, and emotions. Try improvising to different types of music, such as jazz or classical, and notice how your body responds to the different rhythms and melodies. You can also try improvising in response to different textures, such as fabric or wood, and notice how your body responds to the different sensations.
Pay Attention to Alignment: Proper alignment is crucial for maintaining good technique and preventing injury. Focus on engaging your core, lengthening your spine, and aligning your joints to ensure efficient and effective movement. Try standing in front of a mirror and checking your alignment, making sure that your ears, shoulders, hips, and ankles are all in line. Then, practice moving with good alignment, using your core and legs to support your movements.
Practice “Soft” and “Hard” Movements: The Batsheva Dance Company’s style often juxtaposes soft, fluid movements with hard, staccato ones. Practice switching between these two qualities, using your arms, legs, and torso to create contrasting dynamics. Try practicing a series of soft movements, such as waving your arms or rolling your torso, and then suddenly switching to hard movements, such as punching your arms or jumping your legs. This will help you develop the ability to switch between different qualities of movement.
Work on Your Musicality: Musicality is essential for capturing the essence of the Batsheva Dance Company’s style. Practice moving to different types of music, paying attention to rhythm, phrasing, and texture. Try practicing a series of movements to a piece of music, and then repeating them to a different piece of music with a different rhythm or melody. This will help you develop your ability to respond to different types of music and to capture the essence of the music in your movements.
Incorporate Gesture and Expression: The Batsheva Dance Company’s style is known for its expressive and emotive quality. Practice incorporating gesture and facial expression into your movements, using your arms, hands, and eyes to convey emotion and tell a story. Try practicing a series of movements and then adding gesture and expression to them, using your arms and hands to convey emotion and your eyes to tell a story.
Focus on Breath and Relaxation: Breath and relaxation are essential for maintaining a sense of fluidity and continuity in movement. Practice deep breathing exercises and focus on releasing tension in your body, allowing yourself to move with greater ease and freedom. Try practicing a series of deep breathing exercises, inhaling for a count of four and exhaling for a count of four, and then practicing a series of movements while focusing on your breath and relaxation.
Study the Work of Ohad Naharin: Finally, study the work of Ohad Naharin, the artistic director of the Batsheva Dance Company. Watch videos of his choreography, read interviews and articles about his approach to dance, and attend workshops or classes that focus on his technique. This will give you a deeper understanding of the company’s style and help you to develop your own unique approach to dance.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can develop the technique and artistry required to perform in the style of the Batsheva Dance Company. Remember to always focus on your own unique expression and interpretation, and don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things.
Pros and Cons of Incorporating Gaga into Your Practice
- Pros:
- Increased expressiveness and creativity
- Improved ability to respond to music and textures
- Enhanced sense of fluidity and continuity in movement
- Cons:
- May require significant changes to your existing technique
- Can be challenging to incorporate into your practice
- May require additional training or workshops
Step-by-Step Guide to Incorporating Gaga into Your Practice
- Start by paying attention to your body's sensations and allowing yourself to move in response to them.
- Practice deep breathing exercises and focus on releasing tension in your body.
- Incorporate improvisation into your practice, using music, textures, and emotions as inspiration.
- Focus on developing your core strength and flexibility, using exercises such as planks, crunches, and leg raises.
- Practice moving in and out of the floor, using your arms and legs to generate power and momentum.
What is the best way to incorporate Gaga into my practice?
+The best way to incorporate Gaga into your practice is to start by paying attention to your body’s sensations and allowing yourself to move in response to them. You can also practice deep breathing exercises and focus on releasing tension in your body.
How can I develop my core strength and flexibility?
+You can develop your core strength and flexibility by incorporating exercises such as planks, crunches, and leg raises into your practice. You can also practice moving in and out of the floor, using your arms and legs to generate power and momentum.
What is the importance of improvisation in the Batsheva Dance Company’s style?
+Improvisation is a key element of the Batsheva Dance Company’s style, as it allows dancers to respond to music, textures, and emotions in a unique and expressive way. By incorporating improvisation into your practice, you can develop your ability to respond to different stimuli and create unique and expressive movements.
