Creative Dance with Mark Morris Dance Group
Introduction
- Instructor: Miss Jillian
- Location: Dance class conducted virtually from her kitchen.
- Music: Playlist available on Spotify, link in description.
- Support: Donations appreciated to support the Mark Morris Dance Group.
Warm-up Exercises
- Start on the Ground:
- Stretch legs long.
- Point and flex feet.
- Make different shapes with arms: curved, angular, twisted.
- Foot Sandwich Exercise:
- Pretend to make a sandwich with your feet.
- Add imaginary ingredients and "smush" together.
- Butterfly Position:
- Fly wings (big and small).
- Close and open wings, do opposites.
Core Dance Movements
- Bounce Like a Ball:
- Round back and bounce.
- Sit up tall and reach back.
- Balance in boat position.
- Pizza Stretch:
- Spread dough, add sauce and cheese.
- Select your toppings, twist to sprinkle.
- Stretch forward over pizza.
- Tabletops and Three-legged Table:
- Hands and feet on ground, lift belly up.
- Lift one leg to make a three-legged table.
Dance Activities
- Animal Movements:
- Low level: Snakes (slithering).
- Medium level: Bear walk, crab walk.
- High level: Kangaroo jumping.
- Ballet Steps:
- Positions: First, second, fifth.
- Movements: Plie, stretch, releve, passe.
- Energy Painting:
- Smooth and sharp movements.
- Use hands, feet, head to "paint".
Choreography Practice
- Chasse Movements:
- Isolate legs, hands on hips.
- Combine with fifth position arms.
- Dance Sentences:
- Chasse without arms, then with arms.
- Smooth arm movements for 8 counts.
- Sharp leg movements for 8 counts.
- Melt into a twisted shape.
Conclusion
- Reminders:
- Videos available online for more practice.
- Encourages safety and fun.
Summary
Miss Jillian led a dynamic dance class focusing on warming up, core dance movements, and creative choreography with a variety of dance and body isolation techniques. Emphasized both soft and sharp movements and playful interaction through imagination-driven exercises.