Space geometry and scores (bodywork and dance)

● To increase awareness of space
● To increase awareness of the “felt body” (soma) and the “seen body”
● To learn some basic principles of contemporary improvisation dance

This is a very simple set of exercises to increase the awareness of the space and the perception of it, as well as to give a low-risk opportunity to perform as dancers.
This exercise is not a stand-alone – physical warm up and attuning exercises are necessary before.

Music, speakers

50 min

Procedure/steps

. Experimenting with space
In this activity in all physical positions the trainer shall ask the participants to understand how they perceive the space. What is close? What is far? What feelings does it recall? How does the perception change as the structure is changing?
Different physical positions can be made, such as:
● All participants are asked to stand in a diametric line across the room.
● Every second person of the group is standing two steps forward. They will be the first line.
● The first line is turning towards the second line.
● The second line is turning away from the first line.
● The second line is sitting down.
● The first line rejoins the second line (who is sitting), standing next to them.
● The second line lies down on their back.
● The first sits down.

b. Moving and experimenting
● Participants can start to move. They can only perform 4 different movements: standing, sitting, walking (any space) and lying. How does the space feel?

c. Performances
● The trainer divides the group into two (new groups). One will perform, the other will be the audience.
● The facilitator gives the performing group a very simple score (set of rules) from the previous part of the exercise: 5 minutes performance, and participants can only do the 4 movements used before.
● After about a minute, the music is turned on as a background (they will not know it before).
● After the performance, the audience applause (or not), and groups change.
● The second group is getting a new music

d. Debriefing, discussion

Evaluation/Final debriefing

At the end of the exercise, these questions can be asked to the participants:
● How did you experience space?
● How music changes the experience of space and the others?
● As an audience, what did you see, feel?