The Principles of Bartenieff Movement
The Laban/Bartenieff Institute of Movement Studies (LIMS) has been training movement observers, teachers, and coaches for thirty years.
These 12 basic principles are an asset to anyone interested in improving communication skills through effective movement. At The Prism Centre we apply all of these principles through the Brain Dance in all our classes, to children of all ages and developments.
Check them out and try them today!!
1. Connectivity – The whole body is connected
2. Breath Support – Breath brings life and movement
3. Grounding – The earth provides a support, a ground for Being and moving.
4. Developmental Progression – Basic body connections are patterned through a stage-specific developmental sequence. –
The Movement Fundamentals :
A) Breath
B) Core to Distal
C) Head to Tail
D) Upper to Lower
E) Body Half
F) Cross Lateral
5. Intent – Intent organizes the neuromuscular system.
6.Complexity – Movement is multifaceted, orchestrating Body/Effort/Shape/Space.
7. Inner-Outer – Movement is meaningful. Outer reflects inner. Inner reflects Outer.
8. Function-Expression – Function and expression integrate to create meaning in movement.
9. Stability-Mobility – Stabilizing and mobilizing elements interact continuously to produce effective movement.
10. Exertion-Recuperation – Exertion-Recuperation is a natural cycle which replenishes movement vitality.
11. Phrasing – Movement happens in phrases. The preparation and initiation determine the entire course of the phrase.
12. Personal Uniqueness – Patterning is an adventure. There is no one pathway for all persons to achieve full movement functioning.
For more information please contact us at Prism Dance Centre, 604-461-3388
or by email, prismdance@hotmail.com
You can also visit the Laban/Bartenieff Institute online at:
http://www.limsonline.org/history.html
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Why am I a RAD Ballet Teacher?
I had many choices back during my training to decide on a specific direction for certification as a ballet teacher. I choose the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) for several important reasons.
Safety and Progressions
I believe strongly in the very logical and safe progressions and expectations that the RAD has laid out grade by grade. While each year requires hard work, focus and practice, the steps between each grade is achievable for the average student. To receive the highest possible marks often requires extra talent and physical gifts, but hard working students are rewarded at each level, based on the comprehensive and balanced marking system for exams. Because the progressions are age appropriate I believe that the body can be safely trained, without any undue and dangerous pushing of the body, especially the development of turn-out of the legs.
Personal Success
Many ballet syllabi focus exclusively on classical ballet technique. For many young dancers the physical requirements of classical ballet are a challenge. The balanced approach of the RAD syllabus which included character work and free movement, allows such students the opportunity for personal success in areas that do not require physical gifts, but rather an enthusiasm and love of dance. The various strengths of each student will be reflected in the exam marking, where technique, expression and musicality are given equal weight.
Character Work
I believe that the balanced approach to training is a great asset to the developing dancer. The RAD syllabus includes training in character work which is national dancing from Hungary, Russian and Poland. These are the dances that are used during all the major classical ballets in the “villagers” scenes. The RAD syllabus will prepare the dancers for the requirements of these corps de ballet roles, as well as giving the dancers the opportunity to explore rhythm and a proud style. Also, character work is an opportunity for the students to dance as partners.
Free Movement
The RAD syllabus also includes a section called Free Movement. This section is designed to give the students the opportunity for a different style of movement that enhances artistry, musicality as well as health and balance in the body. The dancer is encouraged to find the natural flow of movement by exploring the use of gravity, swing and suspension. The use of parallel for the legs helps to balance the hip muscles, which are often over-taxed if the dancer is only working with turn-out. This is much like cross training for the body. Also, the spine is used with freedom including rotation, flexion and extension. Often, the work on posture in classical technique can lead to tension and rigidity in the body. Free movement is an ideal opportunity for dancers to feel that the body moving freely and with relaxation can also feel strong and expressive.
Safety and Progressions
I believe strongly in the very logical and safe progressions and expectations that the RAD has laid out grade by grade. While each year requires hard work, focus and practice, the steps between each grade is achievable for the average student. To receive the highest possible marks often requires extra talent and physical gifts, but hard working students are rewarded at each level, based on the comprehensive and balanced marking system for exams. Because the progressions are age appropriate I believe that the body can be safely trained, without any undue and dangerous pushing of the body, especially the development of turn-out of the legs.
Personal Success
Many ballet syllabi focus exclusively on classical ballet technique. For many young dancers the physical requirements of classical ballet are a challenge. The balanced approach of the RAD syllabus which included character work and free movement, allows such students the opportunity for personal success in areas that do not require physical gifts, but rather an enthusiasm and love of dance. The various strengths of each student will be reflected in the exam marking, where technique, expression and musicality are given equal weight.
Character Work
I believe that the balanced approach to training is a great asset to the developing dancer. The RAD syllabus includes training in character work which is national dancing from Hungary, Russian and Poland. These are the dances that are used during all the major classical ballets in the “villagers” scenes. The RAD syllabus will prepare the dancers for the requirements of these corps de ballet roles, as well as giving the dancers the opportunity to explore rhythm and a proud style. Also, character work is an opportunity for the students to dance as partners.
Free Movement
The RAD syllabus also includes a section called Free Movement. This section is designed to give the students the opportunity for a different style of movement that enhances artistry, musicality as well as health and balance in the body. The dancer is encouraged to find the natural flow of movement by exploring the use of gravity, swing and suspension. The use of parallel for the legs helps to balance the hip muscles, which are often over-taxed if the dancer is only working with turn-out. This is much like cross training for the body. Also, the spine is used with freedom including rotation, flexion and extension. Often, the work on posture in classical technique can lead to tension and rigidity in the body. Free movement is an ideal opportunity for dancers to feel that the body moving freely and with relaxation can also feel strong and expressive.
How to Choose A Dance School
With so many studios out there, it can be overwhelming for a parent to decide where they should enroll their child. One way to make sure that you make the best informed decision, is to empower yourself with the knowledge of what questions to ask. This can prevent disappointments over the course of the year and ensure that you and your child have the best possible dancing experience.
1)What is the studio’s philosophy and what teaching methods do they use?
It is important that the studio philosophy be clearly outlined for prospective clients and that you are in agreement with the studio philosophy. There are many different approaches to the teaching of dance, from the purely recreational through to the tough pre-professional training. Be sure that the goals you have for your child are in balance with the outlook and focus of the studio.
Be sure that you are clear on how your child will be treated and taught. All children have different needs and different learning styles. It is important that your child is taught with the skills and flexibility required to reach all types of learners. Please see our information on the website at about the theory of Multiple Intelligences.
2) Are the facilities appropriate and is the location convenient?
Ideally have a studio tour to see that the facilities are sufficient, safe and comfortable. Check to see that the floors are proper dance floors, including being a sprung or floating floor and a proper dance surface. The only proper surface that allows a necessary degree of slidability required in dance, but not slippage, is a Marley floor. Typical linoleum and tile is an unsafe dance surface as it is too slippery. Also check to see if there is sufficient room for you, the parent, to comfortably be in the lobby while class is running and that there is a private and comfortable changing room for the dancers. Is there an area and supplies (crayons and colouring,etc. ) for young dancers/siblings. Check that there is sufficient parking and don’t forget the convenience factor of location.
3) What qualifications do the teaching staff have?
The teacher your child has will have a great influence on the experience your child has and the skills that he/she will acquire. Teachers should be qualified and have experience teaching a variety of ages. Older teenage dancers may become good teachers in time, but should not be in charge of molding young dancers’ minds and bodies. There are many respected training methods that dance teachers can go through that will help lend credibility to their teaching skills, such as the Royal Academy of Dance. Ask to see the teaching philosophy of the studio and the individual teachers.
4)How is class placement achieved?
The studio should have the availability within the schedule to accommodate all ages and abilities. It is imperative that a student be in a class of appropriate level, so that learning can be easily facilitated. A student placed in too low a level is not being challenged sufficiently and time will feel wasted. Conversely, a student overly- challenged will become frustrated and demoralized.
5) How do students perform in festivals and exams?
If the studio does exams and competitions, how well do they do? Exam results are a good gauge of the quality of instruction. Dance festivals ideally should be entered by those students who can be prepared in time. Festivals are valuable tools to gain performance experience and set goals. However, be wary of a studio full of trophies. This can be an indication that class time is spent primarily on the learning and polishing of a single dance for competition, rather than the overall learning of dance.
6) What sort of customer service will you be provided with and how are services priced?
As a dance parent you will have many questions and many interactions with the studio, especially around recital time. Be sure to see whether there is a reception/office staff available during the regular class times to handle all of your questions. Ask the studio what sort of communication with parents is used. Is it up to the parents to be informed or is there a monthly newsletter? How will you know how your child is progressing? Are watching days scheduled or report cards given out each term? As for pricing, ask the studio all questions you have. They should be able to clear and transparent in all the answers. Fees should be easy to figure out and fully disclosed. Ask whether you pay for holidays? Is there a different amount paid because of all the missed classes on a holiday Monday for example? If they tell you that it all balances out in the end, they are incorrect: it does not. What are the methods of payment? Is it easy to pay? Do they have options like debit, VISA and MasterCard? What is the policy on withdrawal from classes?
1)What is the studio’s philosophy and what teaching methods do they use?
It is important that the studio philosophy be clearly outlined for prospective clients and that you are in agreement with the studio philosophy. There are many different approaches to the teaching of dance, from the purely recreational through to the tough pre-professional training. Be sure that the goals you have for your child are in balance with the outlook and focus of the studio.
Be sure that you are clear on how your child will be treated and taught. All children have different needs and different learning styles. It is important that your child is taught with the skills and flexibility required to reach all types of learners. Please see our information on the website at about the theory of Multiple Intelligences.
2) Are the facilities appropriate and is the location convenient?
Ideally have a studio tour to see that the facilities are sufficient, safe and comfortable. Check to see that the floors are proper dance floors, including being a sprung or floating floor and a proper dance surface. The only proper surface that allows a necessary degree of slidability required in dance, but not slippage, is a Marley floor. Typical linoleum and tile is an unsafe dance surface as it is too slippery. Also check to see if there is sufficient room for you, the parent, to comfortably be in the lobby while class is running and that there is a private and comfortable changing room for the dancers. Is there an area and supplies (crayons and colouring,etc. ) for young dancers/siblings. Check that there is sufficient parking and don’t forget the convenience factor of location.
3) What qualifications do the teaching staff have?
The teacher your child has will have a great influence on the experience your child has and the skills that he/she will acquire. Teachers should be qualified and have experience teaching a variety of ages. Older teenage dancers may become good teachers in time, but should not be in charge of molding young dancers’ minds and bodies. There are many respected training methods that dance teachers can go through that will help lend credibility to their teaching skills, such as the Royal Academy of Dance. Ask to see the teaching philosophy of the studio and the individual teachers.
4)How is class placement achieved?
The studio should have the availability within the schedule to accommodate all ages and abilities. It is imperative that a student be in a class of appropriate level, so that learning can be easily facilitated. A student placed in too low a level is not being challenged sufficiently and time will feel wasted. Conversely, a student overly- challenged will become frustrated and demoralized.
5) How do students perform in festivals and exams?
If the studio does exams and competitions, how well do they do? Exam results are a good gauge of the quality of instruction. Dance festivals ideally should be entered by those students who can be prepared in time. Festivals are valuable tools to gain performance experience and set goals. However, be wary of a studio full of trophies. This can be an indication that class time is spent primarily on the learning and polishing of a single dance for competition, rather than the overall learning of dance.
6) What sort of customer service will you be provided with and how are services priced?
As a dance parent you will have many questions and many interactions with the studio, especially around recital time. Be sure to see whether there is a reception/office staff available during the regular class times to handle all of your questions. Ask the studio what sort of communication with parents is used. Is it up to the parents to be informed or is there a monthly newsletter? How will you know how your child is progressing? Are watching days scheduled or report cards given out each term? As for pricing, ask the studio all questions you have. They should be able to clear and transparent in all the answers. Fees should be easy to figure out and fully disclosed. Ask whether you pay for holidays? Is there a different amount paid because of all the missed classes on a holiday Monday for example? If they tell you that it all balances out in the end, they are incorrect: it does not. What are the methods of payment? Is it easy to pay? Do they have options like debit, VISA and MasterCard? What is the policy on withdrawal from classes?
Any BODY can dance!
At Prism we believe that anybody and any BODY can dance. That means that regardless of age,
background, body type/size that you can dance should you choose to.
(We have special programmes for adults and seniors and we have special classes for boys who wish to dance in a boys only environment with a male instructor. Please contact us or visit our website for more information: www.prismdancecentre.com)
The teachers of Prism believe that we are training people not just bodies. The spirit and individuality of
every person is acknowledged and valued. We train with an eye to the future possible dance career,
although the majority of dance students will dance purely for enjoyment and self development.
By giving students excellent foundational training that is progressive and age appropriate, with no short
cuts taken to be able to facilitate the "tricks" expected by some teachers/parents, we can assure the
student that their body will remain healthy and should they wish to pursue a professional career, no
material will need to be re-patterned into the body.
This philosophy applies equally to the young student and the young at heart.
My personal mentor, Bill Evans, is still dancing with a healthy body at 65 years old.
I believe that dance done properly can also heal the body of an adult who wishes to return to dance or try dance for the first time, but is not yet trusting of their bodies capabilities. The body is an amazing
instrument, able to achieve balance and harmony, provided that the mind and body are worked together.
Prism teachers embody our motto "Transforming the Mind, Body & Spirit" and work to reach the mind of the
student to facilitate understanding of the body and its ability to be an expressive instrument.
background, body type/size that you can dance should you choose to.
(We have special programmes for adults and seniors and we have special classes for boys who wish to dance in a boys only environment with a male instructor. Please contact us or visit our website for more information: www.prismdancecentre.com)
- we embrace all body types
- you do not need a "dancer" body to participate in dance, all you need is a will and desire to dance
- you do not need to wear body revealing dance clothing if you are not comfortable, instead wear what
you can move in well, being aware that the more the teacher can see your body the more individual
can help - over-time you will become more comfortable in your body and likely shed any extra layers and go buy
the pink tights!
The teachers of Prism believe that we are training people not just bodies. The spirit and individuality of
every person is acknowledged and valued. We train with an eye to the future possible dance career,
although the majority of dance students will dance purely for enjoyment and self development.
By giving students excellent foundational training that is progressive and age appropriate, with no short
cuts taken to be able to facilitate the "tricks" expected by some teachers/parents, we can assure the
student that their body will remain healthy and should they wish to pursue a professional career, no
material will need to be re-patterned into the body.
This philosophy applies equally to the young student and the young at heart.
My personal mentor, Bill Evans, is still dancing with a healthy body at 65 years old.
I believe that dance done properly can also heal the body of an adult who wishes to return to dance or try dance for the first time, but is not yet trusting of their bodies capabilities. The body is an amazing
instrument, able to achieve balance and harmony, provided that the mind and body are worked together.
Prism teachers embody our motto "Transforming the Mind, Body & Spirit" and work to reach the mind of the
student to facilitate understanding of the body and its ability to be an expressive instrument.
Everyone can dance,
Our Philosophy
When a prospective student finds the right dance form that speaks to need a passion is born. Dance can and should be for everyone who wishes, regardless of age, gender, body type and spirit.
Dance can be for fun, fitness, self expression or the social interaction with other like minded students.
Fun is different for everyone. Some may like the fast paced and challenging co-ordination of hip hop. Others may find singing your heart out in musical theatre the ultimate release. The grace and beauty of ballet, coupled with discipline appeals to many.
Let the teachers of Prism Dance Centre help you to find the dance form that will best connect with you.
Please call or email us and be prepared for a few important questions:
Why do want to dance?
What do you want to experience in your dance class?
Are you looking for fun, fitness or a specific skill set?
If you have danced before what did you enjoy most?
Do you have any concerns about joining a dance class?
Are you here to move outside of your comfort zone or stay within it?
At Prism, all motivations are accepted and encouraged. Our main goal is to help people have dance in
their lives. We know the many benefits and joys of dance and know that your decision to dance is the most
important step you'll ever make.
When a prospective student finds the right dance form that speaks to need a passion is born. Dance can and should be for everyone who wishes, regardless of age, gender, body type and spirit.
Dance can be for fun, fitness, self expression or the social interaction with other like minded students.
Fun is different for everyone. Some may like the fast paced and challenging co-ordination of hip hop. Others may find singing your heart out in musical theatre the ultimate release. The grace and beauty of ballet, coupled with discipline appeals to many.
Let the teachers of Prism Dance Centre help you to find the dance form that will best connect with you.
Please call or email us and be prepared for a few important questions:
Why do want to dance?
What do you want to experience in your dance class?
Are you looking for fun, fitness or a specific skill set?
If you have danced before what did you enjoy most?
Do you have any concerns about joining a dance class?
Are you here to move outside of your comfort zone or stay within it?
At Prism, all motivations are accepted and encouraged. Our main goal is to help people have dance in
their lives. We know the many benefits and joys of dance and know that your decision to dance is the most
important step you'll ever make.
Welcome to Prism Dance Centre!
We are now entering our 10 Year Anniversary!
The staff of Prism is dedicated to the training of dance in a wholistic manner. We see each student as a person first, and a body second. The training of the body is done in conjunction with deep learning utilizing the full brain and a nurturing of each individual's spirit.
Dance is often damaging to a student's self esteem and body confidence due the often extreme judgemental nature of strict training that deals only with the body, often being unaccepting of perceived limitations.
Founder Mariah-Jane Thies, has worked hard and stayed true to her vision that dance can and should be only
beneficial to the body, mind and spirit of everyone who entrusts us with their training. We take this responsibility seriously and have searched continually for teaching methodology and skills that would enhance our abilities to stay true to our mission.
We believe we have these skills, most especially with the incorporation of the Brain Dance within all classes.
See link for more information on the Brain Dance.
Thank you for visiting our blog!
If our philosophy feels appropriate to you and in alignment with training that you would like for yourself or your child, please be sure to visit the contact us page.
We will be happy to hear from you, find out what you want out of your participation in dance and how we can help you to achieve these goals.
The staff of Prism is dedicated to the training of dance in a wholistic manner. We see each student as a person first, and a body second. The training of the body is done in conjunction with deep learning utilizing the full brain and a nurturing of each individual's spirit.
Dance is often damaging to a student's self esteem and body confidence due the often extreme judgemental nature of strict training that deals only with the body, often being unaccepting of perceived limitations.
Founder Mariah-Jane Thies, has worked hard and stayed true to her vision that dance can and should be only
beneficial to the body, mind and spirit of everyone who entrusts us with their training. We take this responsibility seriously and have searched continually for teaching methodology and skills that would enhance our abilities to stay true to our mission.
We believe we have these skills, most especially with the incorporation of the Brain Dance within all classes.
See link for more information on the Brain Dance.
Thank you for visiting our blog!
If our philosophy feels appropriate to you and in alignment with training that you would like for yourself or your child, please be sure to visit the contact us page.
We will be happy to hear from you, find out what you want out of your participation in dance and how we can help you to achieve these goals.
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