2 3 Wonderful Wednesday and the Rubber Band Theory | Ballet Webb

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Wonderful Wednesday and the Rubber Band Theory



Wonderful Wednesday and the Rubber Band Theory

Dance is a constant interplay of potential and kinetic energy.  I often use a rubber band (or hair band) to demonstrate this concept, in a basic sense, to my students.   I stretch the rubber band and say that this is the potential energy, and then I let it go to illustrate kinetic energy.

In ballet class, I usually start at barre with sous-sus soutenu as an example.  The plié (done correctly as a movement, not a position), and the extending to tendu is the potential energy (the pull of the rubber band); and the movement to relevé  in sous-sus is the kinetic energy (the release of the rubber band).

This helps the dancers remember to use the plié as a continuous movement, and not “sit” at the bottom.

From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:

Secret #2e:
“Pulling a rubber band (plié) shows potential energy, letting it go illustrates kinetic energy.”

 

                Link of the Day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viL-HEis-h4              

Quote of the Day:

“Your life is a reflection of how effectively you balance potential and kinetic energy.”
-Steve Maraboli

 

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 Leave a comment about any instructions, ideas, or images that worked best for you!

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