Hofstra University

DNCE 112-01S (Junior Modern Dance lab)

Taught by Adjunct Assistant Professor Colin Stilwell

By Associate Professor RACHEL LIST, Director of the Dance Program, Department of Drama and Dance

Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017 - 2:20-3:45 PM (Lowe 108)

 

   This is a class in Intermediate modern dance taught by Adjunct Professor Colin Stilwell. The class began on time at 2:20 with Colin taking attendance. There were 14 students present and 3 absent. Arthur Solari was the accompanist. This was the third meeting of the class (since it only meets once a week).

 

   Colin began the class with the students on their hands and knees, feeling their weight drop into the floor. They were then instructed to tense all their muscles and then release them to feel a more relaxed sensation of dropping their weight. This was repeated several times. Since the technique utilized in this particular class depends heavily on the dancers’ ability to feel this release of tension and to utilize their own weight as they are dancing, this was an excellent way to begin that process. Colin then proceeded to lead the students in a series of exercises designed to mobilize the joints, stretch and strengthen the muscles and “wake up” the body in general. This included passing through some familiar yoga poses (downward facing dog, etc.) and eventually, the students were brought to a standing position.

 

   Once upright, Colin gave exercises that utilized “standard” movements for the legs and feet such as tendus, plies, lunges, etc., and also included moving the upper body more fully in space. These exercises also incorporated changes of direction so the students were sometimes facing squarely to the front, sometimes facing diagonals in the room, and sometimes facing the back of the room. All of these exercises contained material that Colin had given previously, as well as new material. Colin first reviewed the combination as it had been done the previous week (asking, along the way, “What comes next?” or “Which leg do you step on to go forward?”) and then also made sure the students understood the new material that was being added. After the students performed the combinations several times, Colin gave detailed notes to individual students as well as general comments to the entire class, then had the students repeat the exercises.

 

   The class continued with more combinations in the center and then, after a brief water break, progressed to combinations moving across the floor. These included the challenge of running full-tilt forward and then backward from one end of the studio to the other. This was then repeated in partners with one person running backward while their partner chased them running forward. Not only was this an exercise in taking chances and developing trust, but was also an effort to have the students feel their partner’s energy push them along without actually being touched. After this, Colin asked the class if it felt any different from the previous week, with some students replying that it was a bit easier, less “scary,” etc.  Other combinations across the floor included one in ¾ time with movements that went down to the floor and came back up again seamlessly and a final jumping combination. The class ended at 3:45.

 

   Colin is a clear and generous teacher. The technical level of the students in this particular class was quite mixed but the atmosphere was relaxed and supportive. The students were invited to ask questions when they were unsure and they were attentive at all times, obviously wanting to give their best effort. Colin is able to demonstrate all of the exercises clearly and because he is also a licensed massage therapist, he has a deep understanding of the body’s structure and systems and he brings that knowledge into the classroom as well.

   

   In addition to various corrections given individually and generally, I was impressed with the way Colin linked corrections from one combination to another. For example, early in the warm-up, he corrected a student on anchoring her demi-plie into the floor. Later, he brought that correction back to the entire group to explain how to use the floor to push off solidly when executing a larger movement. At another point in the class, he reminded the students to release their weight and not tense up when going into and coming up from the floor. This referred back to the very first exercise they did at the beginning of the class. There were many other examples of this and, in my opinion, this effort to “connect the dots” for the students illustrates very effective teaching.

 

   Colin also stressed to the students that they need to think about what they do in class in between their once-a-week meetings. He mentioned that in the professional dance world, dancers are expected to think about exercises and corrections between classes and rehearsals so they are prepared for the next exchange with their teachers and/or choreographers. This reminder and projection forward to future dance endeavors is extremely important.

In general, I found Colin to be a highly skilled and very engaging teacher. He is playful and warm but also clearly has high expectations of the students. He requires them to think for themselves and to give their best effort. The material he prepares for the class is challenging but also fun and satisfying to perform. His continuing work as a professional modern dancer provides the students with an excellent role model and it is clear that they have tremendous respect for him. I am extremely happy that he is on the dance faculty at Hofstra and I look forward to his continued teaching in our department.