Instructor Training & Resources Parlez-vous... "Movement?" | Parlez-vous... "Movement?" |
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| Written by Cheryl Myers | |
| Friday, 03 October 2008 | |
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Adjudicator and Movement Instructor Cheryl Myers discusses the importance of an instructor's knowledge of correct movement technique as it relates to both colorguard and field visuals in the band proper. Enjoy her whitty start to what is to become a series of articles on the topic!
Each year, I dust off my tape recorders, pull out my digital files, review my totes from the last season, and TRY to decide if I can possibly wear stiletto heels whilst judging field visual. ON the field. [haven't tried it yet, but oh, I will, don't you worry] And so it goes. As an adjudicator, it is my job to be prepared, to present my commentary to the best of my ability, and rank and rate the units. In the midst of preparing to start the fall judging season, I must also prepare myself for the inevitable onslaught I receive from marching band directors and visual staff alike: "I have NO idea of what you are saying out there. What's with all the FRENCH?" It really IS a dance move - I promiseThe majority of the movements we ask our students to do when marching, moving or dancing are rooted in ballet. This is a dicey topic for many marching band personnel, in that the recognition is not always there. However, if you are asking your students to do the motion, I respectfully submit that you should have some idea as to where that motion is generated, what muscular groups are affected and engaged, and yes, what ballet position or step it is derived from, when applicable. I regularly make some friends of mine marching senior corps angry when I stubbornly say, "It is NOT the 'insert Corps name here' Sweep, it is a Ronde de Jambe, thankyouverymuch." Additionally, in the ever-present lunge we regularly see on the field, it is completely logical for me to reference the extent of involvement of the quadriceps and the degree of turnout from the supporting leg. Recently in critique, I was asked if I was a biology teacher. [for the record - not so much]. Know From Whence You Speak - and DanceWhat concerns me is not the tongue-in-cheek commentary I sometimes get from instructors, but rather those who have a near adverse reaction to this type of commentary. I have railed at directors for improperly putting in a plie [The knees MUST remain over the toes or the risk of injury increases exponentially] because they "wanted some body involvement." Again, and I know I am repeating myself, but if you are going to ask your students to do the motion, two things must be considered: 1. Do you know the proper initiation and completion of the movement? 2. Are you certain it is technically correct? Yes, rules can be broken and movement can be adjusted and refined and even changed. Without this, we would not have modern dance or lyrical to the extent we do today. However, one must KNOW the rules, before one can break them. Doing just a modicum of research on what you are adding to your repertoire will not only enhance your knowledge of basic [gasp] dance terminology, but aide your students' performance and excellence throughout the season, and in seasons to come as you build on this choreographic foundation. Involving the body, especially for the band proper is a quickly expanding part of the repertoire for our students. However, it is not one you will be successful with, unless you take the time to learn what builds that foundation, where that movement generates, and yes, if it might possibly have a different name ...in French. Stay Tuned! The Excitement Continues!I'll begin introducing and explaining some basic terms often used in marching programs in upcoming articles. In the interim, The Video Dictionary of Classical Ballet is a wonderful resource on this subject. It explains the movement, and shows it being executed from several different angles. I found mine at Amazon.com. Ms. Myers is a dance/movement instructors living in the Fingerlakes Area of Upstate NY, and is still working on the mechanics of running around the field in her stilletos. Currently, she is shivering her way through the NY Field Band season and relishing the occasional opportunity to judge in warmer climes. She hopes to continue her 'Parlez-vous Movement' series and spread the love of Ballet to Band Members and Directors everywhere.
 No. 1 : Painless Dance? Nice! As a guard instructor of many years (too many? LOL!) we recently had some of the band ask if they could add, and I quote; "...one of those foot sweep things?" to their show. Without even batting an eye, I said; "Oh, you mean a Ronde de Jambe, right?". And when I got the usual blank stare, I said; "You know this part of your body in dance is called the "jambe", which is French for leg, and you want to do a 'round' motion with it, right? So that would be a 'ronde', right? Once they started nodding we had them! What do you know, a mostly painless lesson in proper dance terminology and proper cues for initiation and completion of the dance phrase to boot! And now they refer to it as the "Ronda" thing... sigh, you can't win them all! Looking forward to more! David Wilson North Thurston High School Solstice Colorguard
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'>  Submitted by davidrw99 • 2008-10-17 12:10:22 |
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