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Week 9: Describing through metaphors

Sometimes verbal metaphors capture powerful images that can help us understand movement better. In this task you will be evaluating some descriptions of ballet movement through metaphors and produce one yourself.

This is a black pen drawing of a figure leaping forward with his right foot. His left leg is extended to the back. The drawing is quite schematic with very little detail. He seem to be facing down. His right arm extending forward and his left arm raised to the left.

Activity 9.1

In her comments about teaching ballet, Paskevska emphasises the importance of training in addressing the mechanics of movement and making them work towards a specific aim. For this she offers a metaphor:

"[...] like a family engaged in cleaning the house together, each member is fulfilling a specific task".

(Paskevska, 2005, pp. 27-29)

1

This metaphor of dance training is trying to portray a harmonious effective working of all body parts. Is a family cleaning a house together a good description of such a situation? How will you improve this metaphor?

This is an open answer. Responses will vary.Check your answer

Activity 9.2

In the following paragraph, Tully describes the control we need when dancing using the concept of water as a metaphor. Read the text and answer the question below.

"The movement of the dance cannot directly be controlled. If one takes water as an analogy, it will readily be seen that use and control of the water is through the channels, rivers and pipes, and that without direction and checks, water flows in all directions. So it is with the movement of the dance. Without the form, the positions and poses, there can be no control or proper direction of the responses to the music."

(Tully, 2011, p. 23)

2

Do you think Tully's metaphor for the movement of the dance is a useful one?

This is an open answer. Responses will vary.Check your answer

Activity 9.3

Now it is your turn to produce a metaphor.

3

Describe the movement of a tendu through your own metaphor.

This is a pencil drawing of a male ballet dancer. He is wearing tight black trousers up to his ribs and a little red waistcoat with yellow shoulders. He is on his toes, left leg extended backwards and right leg bended. His left arm is flexed touching his left hip, his right arm on his right side. He is looking attentively backwards.

This is an open answer. Responses will vary.Check your answer