In dance, the concept of relationship refers to the connection a dancer has with everything around them.
Understanding Relationship in Dance
According to the dance concept, RELATIONSHIP is defined as the connection that a dancer has to everything else: to space, to time, to music and to others. This fundamental element explores how a dancer interacts not just with other people, but with the very environment and structure of the performance.
Key Connections in Dance Relationships
The relationship in dance is multifaceted, encompassing several crucial connections for a dancer:
- To Space: How the dancer uses, occupies, and interacts with the performance area. This includes their relationship to the floor, the walls, the air, and even the negative space around them.
- To Time: How the dancer relates to the rhythm, tempo, and duration of the movement and the accompanying music. This involves understanding and manipulating speed, pauses, and phrasing.
- To Music: The dynamic connection between the dancer's movement and the musical score. This can range from directly following the music to moving in counterpoint or even silence.
- To Others: The interactions between dancers on stage, such as mirroring, leading/following, partnering, or group formations. This also extends to the relationship with the audience.
The Unique Nature of Relationships
The provided reference highlights that everyone has a different and unique relationship to themselves and to others that is built by our personal identity. This means that a dancer's individual history, experiences, and personality shape how they connect with space, time, music, and other dancers, making each performance and interaction distinct.
Understanding relationship is vital for dancers as it informs their choices, adds depth to their performance, and allows for rich communication both within the piece and with viewers. It's the dynamic interplay between the dancer and their world.
