05.10.2011 - The preface of Bartenieff Fundamentals

Today’s class followed on from our first class back with Liz looking into the works of Peggy Hackney. “Peggy Hackney is internationally recognised for her work in Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals” http://movingoncenter.org/ProfessionalServices.htm (accessed 06.10.2011) Bartenieff Fundamentals is a number of exercises, practises and concepts developed by Irmgard Bartenieff when applying and looking at Rudolf Laban’s movement theory, in relation and practice to physical and kinesiological functioning of the human body.  Although they are several concepts behind the theory such as “Dynamic Alignment, Rotary Factor, Initiation and Sequencing, Spatial Intent, Center of Weight/Weight Transference, Effort Intent, and Developmental Patterning and its Support for Level Change.” http://www.limsonline.org/what-are-bartenieff-fundamentals-bf (accessed 06.10.2011)


In our first semseter back, Liz has explained to us how our technique classes this term will all surround the Bartenieff Fundamentals and concentrate on Peggy Hackney's views and opinions on that concept.

During our first class back after the summer break we spent a lot of time focusing on our breath when moving around the studio. As a personal weakness I know that I hold my breath when dancing, especially when practising jumps and leaps across the floor. From experience, I know that this is hindering my work as I’m not letting my body feel connected with the movement as I am mostly concentrating on holding my breath. The technique class focusing on the theories of Bartenieff Fundamentals has started to help me to connect with my breath and feel more grounded. “Movement rides on the flow of the breath” http://www.laban-analyses.org/ (accessed on 06.10.2011)
This therefore is allowing my movement to progress using my breath to help my technique rather than restrict me from achieving my full potential. "One with the life gicing universe, one with nature's fluidity" Making connections. P.Hackney pg 51. For today’s class we focused on using breath in movement and the use of the six limbs. We looked at trying to connect the two arms, two legs, our head and tail as well as trying to connect to our centres.  As we focused on this it really helped me to develop my movement through awareness and feeling, “Each phase is full of Sensation, energy, vitality, and risk.” Olsen. A Body and Earth: An Experiential Guide (Pg 194).

As I was moving around on the floor I allowed my body to completely relax, and flow naturally into my next move. It felt great to be that relaxed through an improvisation. It is a sensation that I have never been aware of in previous classes, as I tend to find my movement mediocre during our improvisation sessions.



An exercise concentrating on the breath

During the class we worked with our fellow peers in many exercises lying on the floor to allow ourselves to feel grounded and to allow our breath to be recognised. As I lie on the ground with my eyes closed taking a deep inhale and really releasing a heavy breath on the exhale, I began to feel a sense of profoundness, and deep concentration on my breath. This was beneficial throughout the rest of the class as I tried to use the breath additionally when we began to move. I think it is helpful to do these types of relaxation exercises in preparation for a technique class as my body felt relaxed and loose allowing me to really dance through my whole body with a main focus on my arms, legs, head and my lower back which in the Bartenieff Fundamentals theory is known as our tail. (The tail is the sixth limb opposite to the neck, Sacrum and coccyx both active for grounding and mobility.)

Bartenieff Fundamentals theory has many concepts and exercises that will help to improve on using the breath to allow you to feel more connected to your body and feel supported by your core. In my own practise, an exercise that helps me feel grounded is the ‘Rocking preparation’ as it allows my body and breath to be united. For the remaining time that we will focus on Bartenieff Fundamentals theories I plan to carry out this simple exercise before technique classes to help me prepare.

BARTENIEFF FUNDAMENTALS: ‘BASIC 6’
Rocking Preparation
Purpose:	To bring awareness and encouragement to movement relationships amongst heels, pelvis, spine, and head; reciprocal actions of hamstrings vs. iliopsoas-heels connected to pelvic floor & sitz-bones
Action:	1.     Gentle rocking motion (legs bent or straight; heels on floor); 2.     Initiate from the heels (hamstrings) or the core (psoas) 3.     ankles flex - pelvis rocks back 4.     ankles extend - pelvis rocks forward
Initiation:	from the heels or the core (iliopsoas)

 Bartenieff Fundamentals ‘Basic 6’ http://www.laban-analyses.org (accessed on 07.10.2011)


We have therefore begun to focus on breath and core support in movement in our introduction classes to Bartenieff Fundamentals theory. In addition, I am looking forward to developing these ideas and theories to focus on them to improve and highlight my progress in my technique.