This semester, we’re studying and performing Twyla Tharp’s The One Hundreds, which begins with two dancers performing one hundred 11-count phrases in unison. Then five dancers simultaneously perform their own twenty 11-count phrases of the previously performed one hundred. And finally, one hundred dancers each perform one of the 11-count phrases at the same time…. Read more »
Twyla Tharp
Teaching in the Wild
We were challenged to meet students where they were and bring a touch of movement into their day. Of course, the best place to meet other students is none other than Starbucks. All of us were challenged to teach one of the sixteen phrases we had learned to one student. We also handed out flyers… Read more »
‘I’ve learned so much more than just dance choreography’
When I first registered for this class, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I knew it was a dance class, and I knew it had something to do with Twyla Tharp. Other than that, I had no idea! I have a friend that knew about the plans for the class, and told me I’d… Read more »
In the Middle
In Twyla’s “Torelli,” there are nine phrases, each of which is quite distinct from the other. My favorite phrase is collapse. Before Shawn, our teacher, showed us the video of collapse for the first time, I thought the phrase would be difficult for me; I anticipated it would take me a long time to learn… Read more »
Skyping with Twyla
I was so excited about what happened in class Thursday: we skyped Twyla into our class, and she taught the dance portion of our class and held a Q & A with us! In the past few weeks, we have been reading her book, The Creative Habit, and we watched a film she choreographed, Hair,… Read more »
Performance Experience
Today we had our first chance to perform what we’ve learned of the “Torelli” for the public. We were invited to perform it as a work-in-progress at IU’s First Thursdays, a monthly event showcasing IU’s various arts and cultural projects. Five of us were able to participate in the performance, and we were really excited… Read more »
Midterm Reflection Blog
Over the course of this semester, I have noticed several changes in myself as a direct result of this class. I am more present in feeling my posture. Posture is something that I know I should be working on, even when I’m standing in line at the grocery store. After working on it so much… Read more »
Awake, Alive, Creative
Opening your eyes does not really show that you’re awake. Even getting out of bed and starting to get ready for the day does not define “awake” either. My threshold for wakefulness is when I can really react, interact, and respond to something new when it crops up in an otherwise set routine. The mornings… Read more »
‘Taller, more confident, stronger’
I think that the most impactful way that this class has affected my life inside of class is in the holding of my body. In ballet, for as long as I can remember, I have been taught to hold my core muscles, and that everything in and of the body should to spiral outward to… Read more »
‘Dance is beautiful’
Dance is beautiful. There are always new forms and new developments. Its ever-changing nature means the learning and improvement never stop-even for people like me who are lifelong dancers. These are just a few of the things that make me love it so much. I’ve danced for 16 years. Even though I knew who Twyla… Read more »