Release Based Contemporary Dance Technique

Release Technique

This technique was developed in the 1980s by Joan Skinner and others. It emphasised the use of breath and the release of tension in movement. The dancer must use their body to explore the different possibilities of movement in space, such as levels, directions, and shapes.

Release technique is focused on the principles of “ease of movement” and “fluidity”. Dancers learn to minimise tension in the body to create freedom of movement. The release of body weight into the floor and the use of breath to instigate movement is part of the learning process. Release technique focuses on breathing, muscle relaxation, anatomical considerations, and the use of gravity and momentum to facilitate efficient movement.

This contemporary dance class will build on sequencing each week and will introduce the basics of movement development into free flowing sequences that explore moving in and out of the floor; moving dynamically with the breath.

This would suit any level from beginner to more advanced as the movement sequencing will build slowly and will be open to exploration, the finer details are more about intention of movement than the external aesthetic of the body. Great for anyone looking to re-discover the simplicity of movement, its origins, or to re-find the love for dance without a competitive element but rather a inspiration intention. This class will build gentle cardiovascular health, flexibility, fitness on par with grace and power with awareness of subtlety of sensation, feeling and movement.