BREATH: PRINCIPLES DERIVED FROM EASTERN AND WESTERN LITERATURE AND SUGGESTIONS FOR ITS USE IN MODERN DANCE.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to derive breath principles and to make suggestions for the use of these in modern dance. Materials written by or about any one or more of the modern dancers selected for this study were reviewed for the purpose of clarifying the current role of breath in dance. A survey of eastern and western somatic literature was conducted in order to identify the understandings and uses of breath which were addressed in the context of those somatic disciplines selected for this study.; The eastern and western disciplines selected for this study were: (1) Hatha Yoga, (2) T'ai Ch'i Ch'uan, (3) Karate, (4) Bioenergetics, and (5) The Alexander Technique. Each of these disciplines has considered and used breathing in conjunction with the movement techniques or rituals associated with the working framework related to each.; Three breath relationships were studied: (1) breath-energy, (2) breath-body and (3) breath-movement. The following are examples of the general breath principles which were derived following an examination of the eastern, western and dance information: (1) Breathing can be controlled and therefore it can be used to influence energy, the body and movement, (2) Breath patterns can be generated for the purpose of unifying one's energy, body and movement statement, (3) Abdominal breathing patterns intensify a person's level of feeling and energy enhancing one's potential to augment both one's level of feeling and power in movement, and (4) Breath pathways can be consciously directed throughout the body and restore one's full movement potential.; These principles were then used as the basis for making suggestions to dancers in regard to the use of breath in modern dance. For example, dancers should learn to: (1) Master breath control so that they can use if effectively in their dance, (2) Identify and generate those breath patterns which would best support them in achieving their movement and dance goals, (3) Control and use abdominal breathing so that they can enhance feeling and tap and release physical power, and (4) Use breathing as a source for eliminating those physical conditions which interfere with full movement, so that their full level of expression in dance is restored.