Name of teacher/supervisor
Elita Cannata & Jussi Nousiainen
Period, duration
weeks 36 - 49,
blocks 1 & 2
Year 1
Study load
67,5 hours
Competencies
1,2,3,4,
Summary
Countertechnique is a movement system to help movers think about the dancing body, focusing on the process of incorporating information into action. Within a clear structure of exercises, the Countertechnique class prepares the body and mind, enabling dancers to move bigger, more fluidly and more spatially, while becoming stronger and more flexible. At the same time students are gradually invited to take responsibilities in their learning process, within a safe environment they learn to become pro-active and make their choices through the scanning of their body and mind, under the guidance of the teacher.
By continuously and sequentially directing and counter directing parts of the body through space, Countertechnique allows the moving dancer to work with an ever changing dynamic balance. This dynamic balance reduces the pressure on the overall body structure and can be changed at any given moment. The consistent use of the counter direction in all movements is key to the technique; both the awareness and application of this principle is trained throughout the class.
Content and design of the class
The Countertechnique class is a contemporary dance technique class. It stretches, coordinates and strengthens the body, making the dancer sweat, build stamina and really move. The class starts with a recurring set of exercises, allowing dancers to investigate the Countertechnique principles in details throughout time . The second half of the class consists of changing components working towards luscious movement combinations upstanding and on the floor, and a set of improvisation games to better explore the tools. Every day we will physically explore the different tools inside the Countertechnique toolbox, all of them related to space, energy, body and awareness and applicable in every technique and practice, so that the students can make connections with the other subjects and experiences encountered through the academic year.
Learning goals
- constant awareness of body and mind
- spatial awareness
- ability to switch between themself and the external world while dancing ( inter-connectedness)
- acknowledgement and distribution of weight
- build stamina and strength
- coordination in complex phrases of movement
- availability to movement
- proactive approach to study
- observation without judgement
Working method(s)
used training, structured class and exercises, improvisation, awareness games and self exploration.
Used study material
notebook, anatomy app, videos, drawings
Assessment criteria
attitude towards new informations, understanding of the principles of countertechnique, availability to movement, open mind, attendance, participation and curiosity, positive approach.
Method of assessment
personal feedbacks
Learning goals in the class contribute to the overall development of the competency indicators:
1.1 / 1.2 / 1.3 / 1.4 / 1.8 / 2.1 / 2.2 / 3.1 / 3.2 / 3.4, / 4.3 / 4.4 /