5 Rhythms: Stillness

 

 

Unit: 5 Rhythms

Theme: Stillness

 

I

Introduction

Continuing with our unit on the 5 Rhythms created by Gabrielle Roth, today, we will explore Stillness. For the dancer in general, stillness is a musical term that gives active space and rhythm to a melodic flow of energy. Stillness is a part of ballet training when the dancer seems to pause after a melodic phrase.  Stillness holds many images and they are understood in different ways by each dancer.

 

II 

Learning Objectives

 

• Understand the ideas behind Stillness rhythm
  
• Explain the sensations generated as a result of Stillness
• Gain awareness of the use of embodied movement-meditation in letting go
  
• Experience solo and group dance dancing Stillness
• Reflect on the creative process at the end of the lesson
  

 

 III

 

 WARM UP

Stretching 

 

IV

 

Main Lesson

 

 

1

 

Stillness

 

 

 

According to Roth and Loudon (1998) stillness is a moving meditation that uses every part of one's body in "living prayer" (p.38).  In the 5 Rhythms, the movement in stillness becomes inner, of concentration, a feeling of empty fullness and of vibrant presence. One moves in slow motion or one moves and stops, feeling one's feet, face, hands and total body. The movement is no longer the mediator, but the stillness in between. The breath is strong, the vitality is intense. The time is now and the place is here. Every gesture is total and measured as one's body is full a breath and one's look direct.

 

Question 1

Compare and contrast the general concept of stillness in dance and stillness in the 5 Rhythms.

2

 

 

WARM UP 

 

Let your arms reach out just in any direction.

Let your body expand with a free flowing kind of stretch.

No particular shape or form.

Feel free to take a step around; look through the window if you wish.

Let your eyes be soft and easy. 

Allow little movements to permeate the body, loosening up joints, opening your chest, twisting your spine.

A couple of a few more breaths and let your feet settle.

Come to a stop and sense (one hand on your chest, one hand on your dantian). 

 

Question 2

 

How do you think this warm-up helps you with the stillness rhythm?

 

 

3

Observe video on Stillness Rhythm

 

 

Question 3

 

 Write a reflection on the expression of stillness performed by the dancers in the video.

 

 

 

 4

 

Text: Maps to Ecstasy

 

Question 5

 

After reading pages 33 and 34:

how do we get in touch with the rhythms?

 

 

 

 5

Summary

cue 9::20 - 14:00

Question 6

How did Gabrielle Roth create the 5 rhythms?

 

 

 

 V

 

A Note to Remember

 

 Stillness is a moving meditation that uses every part of one's body in "living prayer" (p.38).

 

 VI

 

Case Study

 

Eiko & Koma: Stillness in Performance

 

 Question 4

What aspects of stillness are observable in the dances of Eiko and Koma?

VII

 Activity 1

 

 

 Guided Embodiment

Inner Sensing: Connect with your meditative state by closing your eyes and quieting your mind.

 

Concentration: Pay attention to what it is going in your mind in terms of ideas, thoughts, images.

 

Feeling: Focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale deeply expanding and contracting your body. Be aware of what you feel.

Vibrant Presence: Begin to move with your breath as you inhale and exhale visualizing how your body irradiates energy, light, vibes.

 

Sustained Movement:  Begin to move in slow motion paying attention to every transition.

 

Pause: Begin to perform one or one moves and gradually pause. Continue moving slowly as you intersperse new pauses.

 

Stillness: Begin to focus on feeling your feet, face, hands and total body as you elongate the stillness in between movements. Inhabit the stillness

 

Open Eyes: Transition to a stronger breath.  Remain focused on the here and now.

 

Focus: Every gesture or move is total and measured as you begin to express yourself using stream of body-consciousness.

 

Activity 2

 

•  Improvise individually using the ideas explored in class in regards to Stillness.
• Gather with your group and share those ideas as you improvise with your group members.

 

Music

 

Stillness

 

----------------------
 

 

 

VIII

 Glossary

 

 

IX

Journaling

 

 

X

Sources

 

Roth, Gabrielle (1998). Maps to Ecstasy. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Maps_to_Ecstasy/32dt-2F-sjkC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=Chaos

 

XI

Students' Work 

 

Make Up

-----------------------------

 

Sofia Kauderer

1. Exploring Stillness in Dance versus the 5 Rhythms: In the broader scope of dance, stillness typically signifies a temporary halt in movement, often used to emphasize emotion or punctuate certain elements of a performance. Conversely, in the 5 Rhythms, stillness transcends the mere absence of motion. It represents a culminating phase of inner tranquility and reflection, achieved after progressing through the more dynamic previous rhythms. This type of stillness is integrative, allowing dancers to assimilate their experiences throughout the dance.

2. Benefits of Warm-up for Achieving Stillness: This particular warm-up fosters a sense of deep relaxation and heightened bodily awareness, which are crucial for embracing the Stillness rhythm. By easing tension and cultivating mindfulness, the warm-up sets the groundwork for entering a serene, contemplative state that fully embodies the essence of Stillness in the 5 Rhythms practice.

3. Engaging with the Rhythms Intuitively: To truly connect with the rhythms, it's essential to engage your body in a natural, unforced way. Allowing yourself to move spontaneously to the beats helps in forming an intrinsic connection with the music and your movements. This intuitive approach bypasses overthinking and immerses you directly in the rhythmic experience, fostering a more authentic and fulfilling dance practice.

 

 

Alejandra Hernandez

3/7

1. Compare and contrast the general concept of stillness in dance and stillness in the 5 Rhythms.

In dance, stillness is often used as a deliberate pause or moment of suspension within movement, creating contrast and highlighting dynamics. In the 5 Rhythms practice, stillness takes on a more internal dimension, becoming a state of deep presence and inner awareness amidst motion. It's less about physically halting movement and more about finding a tranquil center within the flow of the rhythms. Both embrace stillness as a vital element, but they play with it in different ways, one external and the other internal.

2. How do you think this warm-up helps you with the stillness rhythm? 

This warm-up likely helps cultivate awareness and connection with the body, essential for embodying stillness rhythm in the 5 Rhythms practice. By gradually tuning into sensations, breath, and subtle movements, it primes participants to sink into a state of tranquil presence amidst motion, facilitating a deeper exploration of stillness within the dance.

3. How do we get in touch with the rhythms?

Getting in touch with the rhythms typically involves engaging in movement practices designed to tap into the body's natural flow and expression. This might include structured exercises, improvisation, or guided meditations that encourage participants to connect with different qualities of movement corresponding to each rhythm. 

Write a reflection on the expression of stillness performed by the dancers in the video.

Dance performances that reflect stillness are intriguing and compelling. During these times, dancers display composure, control, and emotional depth. Stillness frequently conveys symbolic significance, improves narrative storytelling, and produces a dynamic interaction with music. It captivates spectators, inviting them to fully participate in the performance.

 

Delaney Brown

1. compare and contrast 

In the 5 Rhythms dance practice, stillness is conceived as a moving mediation where the body engages in a deep, internal movement described as a "living prayer", focusing on heightened awareness and presence. This contrasts with traditional dance forms, where stillness often serves as a dramatic pause or contrast within the choreography, emphasizing aesthetic and narrative elements. In the 5 rhythms, stillness transcends mere absence of movement, embodying a state of "empty fullness" where each gesture is intentional and fully integrated with breath and awareness. Meanwhile, in general dance, stillness is typically external, used to enhance the visual and emotional impact of the performance. 

2. how does the warmup help with stillness rhythm?

It allows the body to relax and mediate. It also allows the body to feel free and move about how it wishes.

 

 Savannah Park

1. Compare and contrast the general concept of stillness in dance and stillness in the 5 Rhythms.

Stillness in dance is the absence of movement and stillness in the 5 rhythms is more of a mindset. The from your inner-self you can produce a "feeling of fullness and vibrant presence."

2. How do you think this warm-up helps you with the stillness rhythm?

I think this warm-up helps with stillness rhythm because it allows you to explore your inner self therefore your inner stillness.

3. Write a reflection on the expression of stillness performed by the dancers in the video

The expression preformed by the dancers seemed very healing. They looked very in-tune with themselves and their movements/ pauses.

4. How do we get in touch with the rhythms?

You get in touch with stillness rhythm by dancing over into chaos.

5. How did Gabrielle Roth create the 5 rhythms?

He created the 5 rhythms by noticing as students moved they created waves of energy, patterns and rhythms

 

 

 

Tomi Frame

1. Explore the distinctions between stillness in traditional dance and the stillness phase within the 5 Rhythms framework. While in dance, stillness often signifies a temporary pause in movement, in the 5 Rhythms, it denotes achieving a tranquil and introspective state following the completion of other rhythmic phases.

2. Discuss how this warm-up contributes to experiencing the Stillness rhythm. This preparatory exercise fosters relaxation and body awareness, facilitating the transition into a serene and mindful state essential for embodying the Stillness rhythm.

3. Explain methods for connecting with the rhythms. Establishing a connection with the body through movement and surrendering to the rhythm without overthinking are key approaches to attuning oneself to the rhythmic flow.

 

 

Tusca Mahmoudpour

1. Compare and contrast the general concept of stillness in dance and stillness in the 5 Rhythms. In dance, stillness often means a pause in movement for while in the 5 Rhythms, it's about reaching a peaceful, reflective state rather a harsh pause after going through all the other rhythms.

2. How do you think this warm-up helps you with the stillness rhythm? This warm-up helps with the Stillness rhythm by encouraging relaxation and awareness of my body, preparing me to enter a state of calm and presence. 

3. How do we get in touch with the rhythms? 

Body connection with your movements, just moving to the rhythm without thinking deep into it.

 

 

Celeste Pongratz

1. Compare and contrast the general concept of stillness in dance and stillness in the 5 Rhythms.

Both dance in general and the 5 Rhythms approach incorporate stillness as an essential element, but they use it differently. In both, stillness is part of the dance, offering a meditative aspect and promoting bodily awareness. However, in the 5 Rhythms, stillness is more than just a pause; it's a deeply spiritual practice where movement turns inward, focusing on inner concentration, breath, and vitality. Here, stillness is about experiencing a moment of vibrant presence and mindfulness. In contrast, general dance might use stillness for aesthetic effect, transition, or emphasis without the same depth of spiritual and meditative focus. Essentially, the 5 Rhythms sees stillness as a profound, integral experience, merging physical motion with spiritual awareness, whereas in broader dance practices, stillness might not carry the same intentional depth.

1. How do you think this warm-up helps you with the stillness rhythm? 

In short, the warm-up primes you physically and mentally, making the shift to stillness smoother and more profound.

1.  Write a reflection on the expression of stillness performed by the dancers in the video.

The stillness in movement allows the audience to absorb and reflect on the dance's emotional weight, providing space amidst the dynamism for personal interpretation. It's in these moments of pause that the dancers communicate not just with their bodies but with the silence between movements, making the performance not just seen but felt. 

1. After reading pages 33 and 34: how do we get in touch with the rhythms?

By immersing yourself in the practice, being present and mindful, and allowing yourself to explore without judgment, you can begin to connect with the rhythms in a meaningful way.

1. How did Gabrielle Roth create the 5 rhythms?

As a way to explore dance as a path to spiritual and emotional healing. She noticed patterns in how people move according to different emotional states and energies. These observations led her to develop the 5 Rhythms: Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness, each representing a different type of energy and emotional state. Through workshops and classes, she refined her ideas into a dynamic movement meditation practice. Her work has since become a foundational approach in dance therapy and holistic health, teaching people to connect deeply with themselves and others through movement.

1. What aspects of stillness are observable in the dances of Eiko and Koma? 

• Prolonged Pauses: They often hold poses for a long time, making each moment full of meaning.

• Slow Movement: Movements are so slow they almost seem like stillness, drawing attention to small details.

• Connection with Environment: Integrating nature into their performances, they show a deep bond with their surroundings through still poses.

• Emotional Intensity: The quiet moments in their dances are loaded with emotion, inviting viewers into a shared feeling.

• Temporal Experience: Their use of stillness can make time feel stretched or compressed, encouraging a collective moment of reflection.

Eiko & Koma demonstrate that stillness can be as powerful and expressive as movement, offering a unique way to experience emotion and connection.

 

Katerina Molina

1. Compare and contrast the general concept of stillness in dance and stillness in the 5 Rhythms. In dance, stillness often means a pause in movement for effect, while in the 5 Rhythms, it's about reaching a peaceful, reflective state after going through all the other rhythms.

2. How do you think this warm-up helps you with the stillness rhythm? This warm-up helps with the Stillness rhythm by encouraging relaxation and awareness of my body, preparing me to enter a state of calm and presence. By focusing on gentle, freeing movements and breath, I'm more able to tap into a deep sense of inner peace, essential for experiencing Stillness.

3. How do we get in touch with the rhythms? It's essential to fully inhabit and connect with our body in order to get in touch with the rhythms. 

 

Meng Wang

Mar.7

1. Compare and contrast the general concept of stillness in dance and stillness in the 5 Rhythms.

 

Stillness in dance can be interpreted in a variety of ways depending on the choreographic intent, the music, and the overall thematic elements of the piece. It can represent anything from contemplation and calmness to tension and anticipation.

 

Stillness within the framework of the 5 Rhythms is deeply visceral, characterized by a feeling of "empty fullness" and an energetic presence. It is about finding movement within stillness, finding stillness within movement, emphasizing the meditative and spiritual aspects of dance.

 

2. How do you think this warm-up helps you with the stillness rhythm?

 

Warming up increases blood flow and relaxes muscles, thereby reducing the risk of injury. This state of physical readiness allows for a smoother transition into stillness, allowing the body to be both relaxed and focused, without stress.

 

3. Write a reflection on the expression of stillness performed by the dancers in the video.

 

The performers in the video seem to be integrated with nature. It is as if this silence allows the audience to breathe with the dancers, temporarily immersed in their emotional landscape.

 

 

 

 

Oriana Davila

3/7 discussion

 

 

1. Compare and contrast the general concept of stillness in dance and stillness in the 5 Rhythms.

Stillness in dance and in the 5 Rhythms both involve pauses in movement, but they differ in context and purpose.

Stillness in Dance: It's a deliberate pause within choreographed or improvised dance pieces, used for artistic expression and contrast, with techniques emphasizing control and precision.

Stillness in the 5 Rhythms: It's one of the five primary rhythms, focusing on inner exploration and self-awareness. There are no specific techniques; stillness arises naturally, fostering inner awareness rather than external expression.

 

1.  How do you think this warm-up helps you with the stillness rhythm?

The warm-up in the 5 Rhythms practice aids in preparing both the body and mind for the Stillness rhythm by:

Loosening muscles and increasing flexibility.

Focusing the mind through mindfulness techniques.

Enhancing emotional awareness.

Balancing energy centers.

Connecting practitioners to their breath, serving as an anchor during moments of stillness.

 

1.  Write a reflection on the expression of stillness performed by the dancers in the video.

The expression of stillness in dance performances is captivating and powerful. Dancers demonstrate poise, control, and emotional depth during these moments. Stillness often carries symbolic meaning, enhances narrative storytelling, and creates a dynamic interplay with music. It captivates audiences, inviting them to engage deeply with the performance.