Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance

by Eric N. Franklin

Whether used alone or as a companion to Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery , which establishes a foundation for the techniques described here, this unique guide shows you how to combine technical expertise with imagery skills to enrich your expressive repertoire. This versatile text and reference provides 583 imagery exercises designed to improve dance technique, artistic expression, and performance. More than 160 illustrations highlight images and exercises you can put to use immediately in your movements and choreography. Part I explores using imagery with improvisation. You'll find 195 exercises centered on the body's basic movement images. These improvisational exercises will encourage you to explore new inner landscapes to create and communicate different movement qualities. Part II provides 314 imagery exercises you can immediately use to improve technique. The book also provides guidelines for applying imagery within the dance class - Floorwork movements
- Standing, walking, running
- Ballet barre exercises
- Swings, arches, spirals
- Upper-body gestures
- Turns and pirouettes
- Jumping
- Partnering Part III provides imagery tools to enhance or prepare for a performance. You'll learn how to use imagery to convey information about steps and to clarify the intent and content of a movement. In addition, you'll find 40 imagery exercises that focus on active imagination and symbolism, the performance environment, and the audience in the creative process. Part IV presents 34 exercises to help restore and regenerate the body through guided imagery used with massage and touch. The book details the ideokinetic constructive rest position and Sweigard's nine lines of action. With Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance , you'll discover how to use the power of your imagination to enhance performances.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Fitness, Grad School

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1996

Reviews

[WT Holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fountain of youth! Eric Franklin's work is profound. This series is a must-read for all physicians in America dealing. Not only is this a marvelous tool for adults to awaken to their bodies' potentials, but for children to engage early on!

[Aelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very useful tips and exercises.

[Jana Rađa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd time I read Eric Franklin's Dynamic Alignment Through Imagery. The 1st time I read it was two years ago and although it was interesting, I wasn't ready for it. This time, it seems I finally know just about enough to appreciate the text and apply some of Franklin's imagery in practice. It is a beautifully done text that goes in great depth, and yet remains simple and purposeful.

It is a book to be re-read regularly, as our "alignment changes throughout the day and will be changing throughout [our] life. Awareness of how to maximize postural potential on a given day is much more useful than using a fixed set of postural rules" (p. 394). I will definitely be consulting the book often as I find it totally eye-opening in many respects, and there are plenty of imagery exercises that I still haven't tried.

Eric Franklin is director and founder of the Franklin Institute in Uster, Switzerland. He has more than 35 years' experience as a dancer and choreographer, and he has shared imagery techniques in his teaching since 1986. Check this guy out; he's awesome.

[Jeremy Swenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished this book for my wife. I was reviewing for appropriateness as a middle school dance text book. As a none dancer I found it interesting especially the exercises in imagery