A Request from Maddie

Hey Everyone,

I have a sort of random request. I am currently wrapping up my seniorproject which involves the affordability gap for students trying to livein the U-District.

My website is www.udhousing.wordpress.com

There is a student housing survey that is linked in the side tab on the website. If you have a minute, please fill one out! It would help alot.

Thanks!Maddie

Photos from QWest Field and a thank you

Dear Seeds of Compassion Dancers-

It has been over a week since the big event, and now that we have some elbow room in our schedule we wanted to say THANK YOU once again for dancing with us! The dance was utterly amazing, and many images taken during the piece have found themselves in the newspaper and beyond.

The organizers wrote us a whole hearted apology for the time mentioned on the ticket and lack of mention on the website and program, resulting in significantly fewer people witnessing the dance. We extend that apology to you. We were functioning under a very different impression that indeed we would be included in the program (they even asked for program notes from us 2 weeks prior) and there would be many more people in the stands. All that said, it was still an amazing experience for us and a blessing to get to dance in such a joyous and meditative way with all of you! What a rare gift and opportunity!

In Bounding Thanks and Gratitude,
anna and john



UPCOMING EVENT: Liz Erber has asked that we perform this score for International Dance Day this Tuesday, April 29th at the Westlake Center downtown. For those of you who are interested and available, come on over! We'll be meeting a little before noon near the fountain (the rectangular one that you can walk through), will do some general flocking and then go through the score shortly thereafter. It will be a laid back and relaxed opportunity to do the score again (the score is still on YoutTube if you want to refresh your memory). Bring friends who want to try out flocking! Please email Liz Erber if you are planning to attend (so we can get a rough guestamate as to how many people will be there--- if you forget to email, come anyway!). She is also doing a group piece focusing on cell phones if you want to participate (if it's not too late): Lerber@gmail.com

FLOCKING IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE: We're thinking about starting a weekly open movement meditation/flocking in the park just for the sheer grace and joy of it (through the Summer). It would be Sundays from 1:30 - 2:30 (ish) at Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill and open to anyone and everyone. Let us know if you're interested!

Question #3

Looking at Dance

What is your experience while looking at modern dance? What do you like? What do you find challenging?

https://catalysttools.washington.edu/gopost/board/lgervais/5157/

Question #2

Compare and contrast the experience (including your interest and investment) in doing choreographed dance phrases in class versus doing the meditative dance score. Post your response here https://catalysttools.washington.edu/gopost/board/lgervais/5157/

Meeting Place

We will assemble just in side the NE gate at 11:30 sharp! We will enter the field from the NE tunnel.

Louis

The Meditative Dance Score

Dear Seeds Of Compassion Participants,

Thank you for everything you have done and will do to support the Seeds of Compassion Events. We appreciate the time and talent you are giving to help create a really memorable experience.

This information pertains to the Seeds of Compassion event at Qwest Field on Saturday,
April 12th. Attached are specific logistics regarding your participation including arrival times/locations at the venue.

TICKETS
By this time, you should have received your ticket to the event. Please contact your main
coordinator if you have not received information about your tickets.

SCHEDULE
The event at Qwest opens to the public at 11:30am. Some participants may be arriving
earlier. Please check your logistics brief attached for your arrival time and location. The
official end of the event will be approximately 3:00 pm. Please exit the venue after the
program ends.

BAGS and PARKING
Qwest does not allow any bags inside, only purses and diaper bags. I’m not sure if they consider a fanny pack a purse—I bet they would since it’s small-- but there won’t be any place to stage you or store anything. On your own for parking as is every participant(of which there are nearly 4000).

DRESS
Living in Seattle, we know how quickly the weather can change. We encourage your dress
to be festive and colorful—but remember to layer, dress warmly and be prepared for rain.
Remember that Qwest Field does not have a roof!

TRANSPORTATION
As you know, Seeds of Compassion is not able to provide parking or transportation to
the event. Below is a map of the general area around Qwest Field to help you orient
yourselves to parking lots in the vicinity. Qwest has a parking lot at the North end of the
field and a parking garage. There are areas around the facility for drop off.

Thank you again for your wonderful energy and commitment to the Seeds of Compassion
events. If you have any specific questions, please direct them to your coordinator.

We look forward to seeing you at Qwest!

Peace,
Kristin Zavorska Creative Producer
Stephanie Simon Production Manager

MEDITATIVE MOVEMENT PERFORMANCE: The performance will take about 15 minutes and

will consist of 3 sections of "flocking" (organic unison/follow-the-leader)
divided by 4 large group gestures/activities that will serve as breaks or
transitions. A loud horn will be used to cue each of the transitions. Each
"flocking" section will begin facing a different direction. Each transitional
group gesture/activity will involve group humming and/or sounding. We will
practice the work together in rehearsal to clarify questions.The general and
specific break down of the activities goes as follows:

TRANSITION #1 (ENTER/WALKING)- HORN: Sounding of horn to call everyone out onto
the field- WALK: Everyone walks onto the field humming (see notes below) and
continues to walk around, exploring theentire space by passing through the
moving spaces or "windows" between people.-

HORN/FREEZE/TURN: Sounding of the horn will momentarily freeze everyone into
stillness wherever they are in the space (humming stops), cueingeveryone to
pause and then turn to face the horn blower (standing at the NORTH end of the
field/opposite sidefrom the big stage).-

HORN/FLOCK: Sounding of the horn will begin the first round of "flocking."
FLOCKING #1 (SLOW)-

FLOCK: The group "flocks" together, slowly and gradually, "as if in "molasses"
(no quick or rapid movements).

TRANSITION #2 (TOUCH THE GROUND)-HORN/FREEZE: Sounding of the horn momentarily
freezes everyone "mid- flock," cueing everyone to pause in stillness andthen
begin the following:-

TOUCH GROUND: Everyone, as a group, slowly lowers and attempts to touch the
ground at the same time (using both hands and humming). Just likein the
"flocking," this will take deeply seeing and listening to the people around
you.-

RISE: After touching the ground for a moment, everyone slowly rises at the same
time (the larger group will determine the exact speed).-

HORN/FREEZE/TURN: Horn sounds - cue to stop humming and to momentarily pause
then turn to the EAST (to face the horn blower).-

HORN/FLOCK: Sounding of the horn will begin the second round of "flocking."

FLOCKING #2 ("DYNAMIC")- FLOCK: The group "flocks" together, still slowly and
gradually in general, but this round people can add simple repetitive movements
(like fingerwiggling, bouncing in place, arm flapping--- things that are easy
for others to follow but that don't quickly change directions).

TRANSITION #3 (FREE DANCE)- HORN/FREEZE: Sounding of the horn momentarily
freezes everyone "mid- flock," cueing everyone to pause and then begin the
following:-

DANCE/HUM: Everyone free dances however they want while humming (any dance/any
hum), being mindful of the people around them so as to avoidany collisions or
accidents. Your dance maybe slow (or even still) or fast, big or small, anything
as long as it doesn't hurt your bodyor the endanger the people around you.-

HORN/FREEZE/TURN: (after about 30 seconds) Sounding of the horn freezes everyone
mid-dance, cueing everyone to momentarily pause and turn to the WEST (to face
the horn blower).-

HORN/FLOCK: Sounding of the horn will begin the third round of "flocking."

FlOCKING #3 (SLOW)- FLOCK: The group "flocks" together, slowly and gradually,
"as if in molasses" like in the first round of flocking. TRANSITION #4
(CLUSTER/EXIT)-

HORN/FREEZE: Sounding of the horn momentarily freezes everyone "mid- flock,"
cueing everyone to pause and then begin the following:- CLUSTER/SOUND: Everyone
walk gently to form a cluster in the center of the space. Reach out and people
around you into a cluster. Everyone will hum softly until a cluster in the
center has more or less formed ("like a flower folding into itself"). At this
pointeveryone will slowly raise their hands to the sky, allowing the soft hum to
rise into a loud chorus of sound, enjoying the peak of thesound/reaching gesture
for a moment and then lowering the hands/ sound back to a hum while remaining as
a giant cluster.-

HORN/SILENCE: Sounding of the horn will stop the humming.-

HORN/CHAIN/EXIT: Final sounding of the horn will cue everyone to silently exit
the space holding hands to make a long "chain." The idea is to have the people
on the outside leave first, everyone holding hands, so that the group unfurls
itself, eventually carrying everyone away.

FLOCKING GUIDELINES: Similar to the way that large groups of birds move together
in organic unison, "Flocking" is the practice of moving together as a group,
surrendering individual movement impulses to the actions of the group. In this
way, Flocking is a meditative follow- the-leader game where everyone is leading
and following simultaneously. However, the emphasis is on moving in simultaneous
unison with the whole group, rather than following your own movement impulses.
The main rule of Flocking is to do what you see - every moment you are following
or copying the movements of the people that you can see. If you see everyone
begin to raise both arms, you immediately begin raising both your arms. If you
see everyone turning their head to the left, then you turn your head to your
left, at which point you are seeing different people - continue following the
movements that you see. So, with every change in direction, the leader also
changes based on who happens to be in front at any given moment in time. The key
in this score is to move SLOWLY AND DELIBERATELY, allowing the whole group to
move as one.

If you are in "front" (on the outer edge of the group) - move slowly and
deliberately, taking into account what you can see of the people around you. At
some point the direction will shift and you will again be following new leaders.
At the same time, whoever is "in front" will allow the impulses of the group to
inform their gestures, so that at times the line between leading and being led
may blur. Because we can see many people at the same time, and those people may
be doing different things, the gentle goal is to mirror movement that is in the
"middle," thus connecting seemingly different movement patterns. When in doubt,
follow what you see in your sightline and compromise to the midline. If you are
confused at any time, though, you can always just pick someone in your sightline
to follow. This particular score involves releasing your personal impulses to
the greater impulse of the group, giving your self expression to the expression
of the group.

WHAT TO WEAR FOR THE PERFORMANCE: Wear solid colors - Dark pants (navy blue,
brown, black, grey --- jeans are fine) and bright tops in warm colors
(yellow,orange,red).


Louis Gervais

Question #1

Why do you dance?

Go to:

https://catalysttools.washington.edu/gopost/board/lgervais/5157/

to post your answer.

Welcome to the Blog!

Hi Dancers,

Welcome to the blog!

This blog and the bulletin board attached will be the way we will communicate in this class. In the studio, its dance time with little or no time to talk which is good and not so good. I'm interested in what you're experiencing and learning. This blog is an opportunity for us to connect as a community.

Check in here once a week for a question or a video to check out and respond to. Post your responses to the bulletin board attached at the bottom of each entry. These entries will be counted at the end of the semester and will make up 20% of your final grade.

Here's the link to the bulletin board: https://catalysttools.washington.edu/gopost/board/lgervais/5157/

Feel free to respond to one another's entries. That's the beauty of the bulletin board!

Welcome to the class and I look forward to watching you dance and to reading your words.

Cheers!

Louis Gervais

Syllabus

Modern Dance Technique Course Syllabus
Dance 205B (1 credits)
Spring 2008

Instructor: Louis Gervais
Meeting Times: T/TH 12:45-2:15
Location: Meany Studio 265
Office: Meany 59J
Office Hours: Wednesday 9:30-10:30 or by appointment
E-mail: lgervais@u.washington.edu

Course Description
This course offers instruction in the theory and practice of modern dance technique at an intermediate level with continued development of all beginning areas and expansion of movement vocabulary. This class will include a holistic approach of the dancer/artist by incorporating improvisation, composition along with technique and phrase work. The Modern II class is designed to help you develop and fine-tune your technical skills and to begin to address performance and dynamic skills.

Objectives
At the successful completion of the course you will demonstrate:
• A working understanding of the skills of dance technique including efficient alignment, flexibility, movement memory, clear spatial orientation, and rhythmic accuracy.
• Sufficient bodily strength, control, stamina, and coordination to perform at the intermediate level consistently.
• An understanding of the artistic aspects of dance performance and style including musicality, dynamics, phrasing, presence, focus, motivation, and artistic interpretation.
• Improve awareness of body alignment, rhythm, use of weight, phrasing and musicality.

Requirements and Grading
Studio Participation (40%)
Regular participation is absolutely crucial in order to progress in this class. This is considered a lab class. Please try to limit your absences and save them for when you really need them. If you are more than ten minutes late you may not take class (please don’t ask me) but are encouraged to observe. If I call your name and you are not in the room you are late.

Participation grades reflect the following:
• Attending class on a consistent basis
• Arriving on time or early so that you have time to “warm up”, focus and prepare to participate fully in class
• Demonstrating a working knowledge of the ongoing class exercises and combinations
Taking risks in improvisation and composition exercises.

Evaluation of Progress (30%)
• Demonstrate an understanding of class material
• Show improvements in body awareness and alignment
• Show improvement in use of weight, moving through space, and rhythmic accuracy
Demonstrate commitment, enthusiam, respect and support of fellow classmates.

Online Journal Responses (20%)
This blog has been set up for this course. Over the course of the semester, this blog will be the place where we as a class will share our thoughts and reactions to the course. Videos and questions will be posted here and your responses will be submitted electronically to a bulletin board. You must post a response to each blog entry within a week of it's posting or receive a 10% reduction of credit for each day you are late.

The URL is http://www.uwdance205b.blogspot.com/. A link to a bulletin board will accompany each entry and your participation grade will be reflected in you bulletin board responses. Some assignments will be experiential in nature and may require additional time outside of class.

Performance Attendance and Response (10%)
You are required to attend the MFA Dancing in the Digital Domain Concert and write a personal response. A more detailed assignment will be given before the performance. You will be asked to turn in your ticket stub the following Monday. Responses received after Monday June 2nd will be docked 10% for each day late.

Dancing in the Digital Domain:
Presents new works by the MFA candidates in dance, performed by undergraduate students. May 29-Jnue 1, 2008
Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
Meany Studio Theatre
General: $14, UW Faculty/Staff/UWAA: $12, Students: $10. Preview performance: $8

Attire and Changing
Bare feet or cotton socks may be worn for class. Please dress neatly and simply in close fitting exercise clothes. No baggy clothing, jeans/slacks or excessive jewelry. Long hair should be pulled back away from the face. If you are not prepared to dance, you will not be allowed to take class.
You may change your clothes in the dressing rooms on the Lower Level. Please do not change in the restrooms on the Upper Level. You may secure your belongings by bringing a lock each day for a locker in the hallway outside of the studios. Locks MUST be removed after each class. Locks may be purchased for $5 from the Dance Office. DO NOT bring personal belongings into the studio. Shoes, clothes, purses, cell phones, etc were stolen every week last quarter. Lock up you belongings!!

Studio Etiquette
• Demonstrate an understanding of the class structure by arriving in the studio, on time, prepared for class
• Be respectful of your peers, instructor and musician at all times. This includes not crossing in front of the instructor or standing in front of the musician
• Receive and apply corrections in a respectful manner
• Work safely and effectively in class and allow others to do so
• Contribute to the classroom by applying focus, concentration and enthusiasm
• If you are unable to dance or have any injuries, please inform the instructor before class begins
• In the event of an injury, alert the instructor immediately!
• No street shoes, tap shoes or shoes with cleats in the studio
• No oils, creams or lotions on exposed body or hair––they make the floor slippery and dangerous
• No food, gum or beverages are allowed in the studio with the exception of water bottles
• No personal belongings in the studio––NONE

Miscellaneous
• Students at the University of Washington are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic conduct. Cheating, plagiarism and other forms of academic misconduct are considered serious offenses.
• To request academic accommodations due to disability, please contact Disabled Student Services, 448 Schmitz, (206) 543-8924, indicating that you have a disability that requires academic accommodations. Please present the letter to your instructor so we can discuss the accommodations you require.