Research
In today’s blog I will be discussing the research I have completed in relation to my chosen stimulus named cog head. This will allow me to explore ideas I have not yet considered before.
I decided to research into how cogs work as the stimulus has cogs within the head. I thought this could give me an idea of the dynamics behind the movement within the mechanical section of my dance. Cogs and gears are all connected due to the small ridges on them which slot into one another seamlessly. This means that when one cog is turned the others will turn too, like a domino effect. This piece of information gave me the idea to include small and sharp movements to replicate the shape of the ridges on the cogs and gears. I will do this by including movements such as small flicks of the wrists and sharp head movements. Another idea which stemmed from this piece of research was that the movement should be continuous, meaning that there is no stillness, as cogs and gears slot into each other perfectly. The domino effect of the cogs gave me the idea to have movement lead into each other to replicate how one cog turning causes another to turn too. For example, I could swing my right arm which could knock into my left arm causing that to begin swinging too. When I was looking at images of cogs, I realised in every set there is a variety of sizes of them. I will show this within my movement by using different levels and sizes of steps. An example of this is that I will include jumps as well as rolls to the floor. This not only shows the cogs within my stimulus it will also add contrast within my dance which makes it more interesting and eye catching for the audience to watch. Despite the ridges, the circular shape of the cogs and gears within my chosen stimulus gave me some ideas on movement I could choreograph within my final piece. Some examples of movements I will include are rolls, turns and anything circular with the arms due to these replicating the circular shape of the cogs. I will also use the idea of the cogs being circular by creating shapes of circles within the space around me similarly to the creative task of making our names in a previous choreography lesson. As well as creating the shape in the space around me, I will move through the shape of the circle as if it is literally in front of me. For example, I could step through it of move my arms around the outline of the imaginary shape. The last piece of information I gained from researching into cogs and gears is that they do not have a given speed that they move at. For example, if I move a cog quickly all the cogs will move quickly. This means that I can change speed within my piece to show this piece of research.
The information I used is from the sources below:
I really enjoyed reading this blog on the research you have done for your stimulus.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact you have mentioned the clogs and how that links with the mechanics of dance.
How did you find this task?
I found the task of researching very interesting due to me finding out the different ways in which cogs move. This allowed me to really imagine the movements and dynamics I can use in my piece.
Deletethis is a great blog and I can tell you have really gone into detail when researching your chosen stimulus. I like how you have planned out how your research will link to the movement material you create and the effects this will have on your overall piece.
ReplyDeletethis blog has a good layout making it clear for the reader when reading it.
Do you think this research has given you a better understanding about how cogs work?
I really enjoyed reading this blog.
This research has really educated me on the different ways cogs work which has really inspired me in the creation of movement. It has also given me ideas of choreographic devices I can add to show this. For example, I could sue embellishment to show the ridges of the cogs and repetition in order to show the continuous circle of turns the cogs make.
DeleteYou have made a good start researching behind your final idea. At the beginning of the post, you have clearly described what the piece will be about and displayed clear objectives of what you wish to achieve. Within your post, please highlight the research you have undertaken and ensure to reference this within your writing. Discus how your observations will influence your piece and enhance your creative work as you move forward. I would say that the post currently sits around the 3:1 mark; if you wish to increase this towards a 2:1, you should consider the quality of your sources, thinking outside the box to incorporate further primary sources within your work. Think about how you can further your research to develop your idea as well as the movement and characteristics of your creative piece.
ReplyDeleteAfter this feedback I have thought further into my stimulus. The cogs in the head could signify the fact that the brain is not working properly. This suggests to me mental health. After this thought I did some research on mental health and I found that dementia is a common disease. Dementia is an overall term for diseases and conditions characterized by a decline in memory. ( I found this piece of information on a website named Alzheimer's association). This made me brainstorm movements within my dance which could signify memory loss. Repetition could signify memory loss as an individual with dementia could forget that they have done a task such as brushing their teeth already and do it again.
DeleteLeading on from my stimulus being a male. I found that suicide in far more frequent within men than women within the UK. ( I found this piece of information on a website named mentalhealth.org.uk). This is mainly due to society causing men to bottle up their feelings due to them feeling a lack of masculinity if weakness is shown. After finding this piece of information I brainstormed some movements which could show bottling up feelings. I found that lower movements and hand gestures towards the head seemed to show a sense of weakness and sadness. I also found that reaches show a sense of pleading for help. However, I will not use many of these due to men finding it hard to ask for help according to the website named talkspace.
DeleteI really enjoyed the way that you have thought about specific movements that you could include. I wondered whether you have thought of any choreographic devices that you want to include in your piece?
ReplyDeleteI would like to use repetition to show the never ending rotation of the cogs. I also would like to use embellishment to show the ridges of the cogs. I would also like to use retrograde as I find this will make my dance appear more interesting and engaging for the audience.
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