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A New Model for Teaching Saut de Basque

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 July 2014

Extract

In the last decade a new body of dance-oriented biomechanical literature has begun to develop. Much of this biomechanical research indicates that in some ways traditional dance pedagogical methods are in conflict with the physical realities of moving bodies in space and the scientific laws that govern the behavior of moving bodies in space, i.e., the laws of physics. A number of traditionally accepted instructional dance precepts are being revealed as inaccurate or impossible. For example, according to traditional dance pedagogical methods, the supinated or “sickled” foot is a strictly forbidden action. However, in her study of grand allegro steps, Ryman found that in turning leaps, the push-off foot “sickled” during the take-off phase. Indeed the laws of science dictate that such twisting is essential for providing the torque necessary in any turning motion. Ryman's documentation of the “sickled” foot is an example of the limitations in the traditional dance teaching methods that currently are being exposed by dance-oriented biomechanical research.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Congress on Research in Dance 1988

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References

NOTES

1. Ryman, Rhonda, “A Kinematic Analysis of Selected Grand Allegro Jumps”, Dance Research Annual IX (1978): 231–42Google Scholar; and Laws, Kenneth L., “Physics and Ballet — A New Pas de Deux”, Dickinson Alumnus (February 1979): 1011Google Scholar.

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