Modern experience

So I've decided to introduce you to a few of my classes, with the help of visual aids of course. Deciding to participate in the Modern program was random if anything, but I've really enjoyed my experience thus far. I have never been exposed to the Modern dance vocabulary of movement, and although it may be related to other dance forms, it takes on a life completely of its own.

Kpanlogo (ceremonial drum)Ghana's most well-known drum has been used since 1962 in festivals, funerals and naming ceremonies. Today it is a popular instrument used in many styles of music, and can be found around the world in African dance bands.

I must say that I am loving my West African class! We are currently learning about Kpanlogo. We get to use instruments that I've never seen before, we learned a call/song, and a Kpanlogo beat. The dancing is the best part even if it's exhausting! All I can say is that I now know the reason why so many great sprinters, long distance runners, . . . . just great runners in general are from the African continent - because of their cultural dances! You have to have stamina to continuously do the kind of dance they do! Our professor decided to have us try dancing for 45 minutes without a break - yikes! Let me just say that I've never had sweaty elbows before. A class mate joked that the reason for our professor's extremely fit body is because she shakes all the fat off dancing!

Next is a class that I have five days a week. I'm amazed to find new ways to move and dance. And they aren't necessarily odd ways of dancing either. I recall talking to a former Modern major who mocked the department for telling dancers to find their 'inner tree'. I have yet to be told to find anything close to a tree or anything 'inner'. I haven't encountered mystics in the department yet, but I have been taught to experiment with weight and contact. Finding new ways to throw my weight, let my weight fall, et cetera - all in a choreographed manner is interesting to me! So it may not be a mystical class, but some have called it the ninja class (refer to the picture below)

because he choreographs all these stunts. He uses a lot of ice skating references like that Asian skater that never ever won (so sad) and Brian Boytano (down below)

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But when I am in his class working out his choreography I feel . . . (in no way degradingly, honestly) like an ape barreling through the jungle. It may be the live drumming that adds to this thought process, but it's partially the movement too. I really do like the classes I've had, especially since each professor's style is truly unique. I thought I'd leave you with a photo of a modern dancer - I just couldn't leave Brian Boitano or apes as the last image recounted.