An Exploration of body & space
Not offered 2015-2016
About this course:
There will be no Exploration of Body & Space class during the 2015-2016 school year.
This course will delve into the idea of "movement" and how the body exists in and travels through space. In this class, students will interact with negative space, mirrored movements, music, and physical objects to better understand how each and every body handles the world around it. As this is a P.E. course, we will be working on some basic physical skills such as balance, strength, and cardio, but we will also explore the anatomy of movement as well as some theories of movement (such as Rudolf von Laban's theories on space). At times, students may be required to do some reading and participate in discussions about various topics related to themes in the course.
This course will delve into the idea of "movement" and how the body exists in and travels through space. In this class, students will interact with negative space, mirrored movements, music, and physical objects to better understand how each and every body handles the world around it. As this is a P.E. course, we will be working on some basic physical skills such as balance, strength, and cardio, but we will also explore the anatomy of movement as well as some theories of movement (such as Rudolf von Laban's theories on space). At times, students may be required to do some reading and participate in discussions about various topics related to themes in the course.
What you will need:
- Comfortable, moveable clothing: Really anything one would wear to practice a sport, yoga, or dance in will do. Nothing should drag on the floor.
- Water bottle: It is possible that on some days we will be doing some intensive moving, staying hydrated is key to being happy and healthy!
- Yoga Mat (optional): Hard floors can be killer on knees. While there's not much that can be done while doing most movements, it might be nice to do your stretching on a yoga mat to avoid bruises.
Ground Rules:
- It doesn't matter what you look like
- You are not to be concerned with audience
- You are not to try to be interesting, innovative, or creative
- You are not to try to be beautiful or skillful
- You will fail if you try to be successful
- The point is concentration on the task at hand, only then will you succeed
Disclaimer:
As this course is an "exploration" students will not be pushed to do movements that are uncomfortable or painful. I urge any student to tell me immediately if something does not feel right (twinges, pains, etc.) aside from the normal stresses that come with exertion. This includes any shortness of breath or burning in the lungs. I myself become winded very quickly and will become sick if I push myself too hard. I do not wish to force that on anyone. The purpose of this course is to allow students to figure out what their bodies can and cannot do in a healthy, open environment where there is no set standard of "success".