Opposite Ends of the Spectrum

As I have been constantly told throughout my life, from class to master classes to even competition conventions, ballet technique is the basis for all movement. For one to become successful in other genres of dance, it is necessary to first master even basic ballet vocabulary. I have found this true in almost all different techniques; without my training in ballet, although small, my ability in other areas would be slimmer. And though I still believe this, it wasn't until this quarter that I realized that it is sometimes necessary to forget those basic ballet technique principles, specifically in Abby's contemporary class. Since my time at OSU, i have been encouraged to let go of my center, engage elsewhere, and throw my body around in ways that in fact, were uncomfortable on the body at first. Growing up and being constantly reminded of the erect posture it is necessary to hold, Abby's movement felt extremely awkward. Her contemporary African style asked us to throw our weight off center, push the pelvis in front or behind the heels, to displace our ribs, and to flail our arms around like madmen. Although our core is still always engaged, as it must be in ballet, this African movement is more grounded and seemingly organic than what I had ever experienced in ballet.

Although I am more likely to notice the differences between my ballet and contemporary classes this quarter, there are still some similarities. For one, we are constantly being told to engage our inner thighs and abdominals. There is also a similar sense of attack I've become aware of in both classes. There is always a sense of exactness and precision that we must pay attention to. Although these two genres seem to be almost on the opposite ends of the dance spectrum, it you look hard enough, there are ideas that may overlap.