Less/More

A movement poem for April 19, 2020 by Jill Randall

For Randee Paufve

 

 

Even with

years and years

of classes,

rehearsals,

performances –

working on something

working towards something

 

She gently

and clearly

reminds us

that this

moment is brand new

that dancing

in this moment is new

you have not been here before

 

So –

Don’t be rote

or on autopilot

or resting on

your laurels

 

Yes to your

technique and

training and

experience and

years of dancing.

Applause + accolades!

 

But today,

right now,

be in it

be here

 

Seek what is most vital

most urgent

most present

 

Essential,

so we can

continue

this art form

 

Meaning,

relevancy,

beauty

 

For you +

for us

 

Be humble, curious, forever open

+ opening

This is our lifelong pursuit

 

To download and print out the poem:

Download Less:More poem

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Hello!

Today's poem is the longest poem I have written for the project to date. It is dedicated to and channeling San Francisco Bay Area artist Randee Paufve. It has been such an honor dancing in her work over the years and being in her class for many, many years. She asks that you be the eternal student, and that at any moment you can use or let go of your toolbox. It is about the moment at hand and the movement at hand – what is most needed to do the work.

For music today, may I suggest "Sweep" by Michael Wall? It is 3rd on this playlist.

Today's movement exploration will be an ounce different than other days. Begin by building a short movement phrase. Don't overthink it. Allow/go/shape/try on. Make a sketch.

In these 3 components of today's exercise, I am trying to capture what I have learned from Randee over the past 20 years. I respectfully credit Randee for the essence of the words and activities described here.

The poem is about presence, efficiency, and clarity. Let's try out your phrase multiple times with these themes.

-What is your internal script while moving? This very much echoes what I have learned from Randee over the years. ("I look left. I lift my left shoulder; it descends forward…) What exactly and specifically is your body doing in the phrase? Making the internal script forces you to clarify. Do your phrase a few times with this silent conversation. You might need to slow down the tempo.

-Then, explore the phrase with real clarity about where you are looking and where your body is in space, in this particular room today. Are you near, far, moving away, moving towards, high, low? Dance your phrase a few times exploring focus and space. (May I suggest that every dance is site-specific?)

-Last, the ultimate task, which the poem is asking for….How are you dancing today in your body with your training and your years? Even while dancing for no one else today, can this performance be the most clear, open, and full of commitment and love? That is the lifelong pursuit, every week…

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Related post:

Blog Series: Studio Practice/Studio Time (with Randee Paufve)

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