Observation 2: Reviewing Choreography

Wed. Jan 27, 2010
From 3-5pm, I was able to observe and watch Elana Lanczi review choreography to a piece that was performed last semester at Nova. The piece is called “Have Not” and the students were going to perform in for a little show that is happening on campus next Thursday. A lot of changes needed to be done to the piece because some of the students who performed in it last semester could not do it for the upcoming show. Originally, the piece had seven dancers, but now only has three, so there was a lot to be moved around and changed. Yesterday’s rehearsal was not the only one they will be having. I watched as the professor allowed some of the students to review what they remembered, correcting them along the way. It was a very relaxed setting, but stressful at times for the professor, because she was trying to figure out all that needed to be changed and fixed. It was interesting to watch because the professor sat back and observed the students working with each other. Of course, she would occasionally step in to make corrections and such, but she mostly stood at the side lines. I could tell that the professor expected the students to learn quickly and to move along. There was not a whole lot of rehearsal time; therefore, they needed to learn fast. The professor was always encouraging the students to keep at it and to focus on what needed to be done. The connection between the professor and students was very opened and comfortable, which I feel is extremely important. The relationship between the teacher/choreographer and the students is the key.
This was a nice observation, because I was able to see a different perspective of things. I learned that sometimes as a teacher, it is okay to stand back, watch the students and allow them to work with each other. This way the students may be able to learn from each other.