In this episode of Dance Gems, Jean and Ton dive deep into the topics of movement quality and dynamic quality in dance and how these concepts also apply to daily life. The hosts discussed the intricate relationship between movement and quality of life, covering a wide spectrum of related topics such as the influence of lifestyle choices on physical abilities, the importance of environment and upbringing, and the impact of nutrition and exercise on movement quality.

Key Discussion Points:

Understanding Movement Quality:

Definition and importance of movement quality in both dance and everyday life.

The influence of DNA, lifestyle, and environmental factors on movement quality, even before birth.

Importance of fostering movement from a young age for lifelong benefits.

Dynamic Quality in Dance:

Distinction between movement quality and dynamic quality.

Exploration of different dynamic qualities in dance, such as swinging, collapsing, and vibrating, and how they contribute to a dancer's expression.

The role of muscle tension (tonus) in achieving dynamic qualities.

The Balance Between Form and Function:

Discussion on whether dance movements should be functional or purely aesthetic.

Quotations from renowned dancers on the evolving nature of form and dynamic qualities in dance history.

Cultural Influences on Movement:

Examination of how cultural habits, such as those seen in Blue Zones, affect longevity and quality of life through movement.

The impact of social dance styles and how they differ from more technical styles like ballroom and Latin dance.

Practical Tips for Dancers:

Encouragement to explore dynamic qualities individually and in combination.

Advice on how dancers can integrate knowledge of movement quality into their practice to enhance their performance.

Conclusion: Jean and Ton wrap up the episode by emphasizing the interconnectedness of movement and life quality, highlighting the necessity for dancers to consider their entire lifestyle as part of their craft. They plan to do a potential follow-up episode dedicated solely to dynamic quality in dance.

Hosts: Ton Greten and Jean Dorff

Overview:In this episode of DanceGEMs, hosts Ton Greten and Jean Dorff dive into the intricate concept of 'pathways' in dance, offering both philosophical reflections and practical insights. They explore how dancers interact with their kinesphere, the space around them, and how understanding movement through this lens is vital for both performers and choreographers.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Introspection and Movement: Jean introduces the theme of introspection as a means to understand movement, highlighting the importance of a grounded feeling.

• Kinosphere Explained: Ton breaks down the concept of kinosphere, combining physical movement and spatial awareness, across four dimensions—three spatial and one temporal.

• The Role of Time: Both hosts stress the critical role time plays in movement, drawing on ideas from historical figures like Minkowski and Einstein.

• Past, Present, Future in Dance: A philosophical take on how understanding these temporal elements can enhance the empowerment and comprehension of movement.

• Laban's Influence: The discussion acknowledges the contributions of Rudolf Laban and how the kinosphere concept was inspired by ideals such as da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.

• Floor vs. Air Pathways: The distinction between movement trails on the floor and through the air, encouraging a broader notation system in choreography.

• Complexity in Movement Notation: Jean praises the challenge of codifying air pathways in choreography, while Ton introduces the "10 Body Parts Concept" for a consistent movement language.

• Dance Styles and Creativity: Various dance styles, from ballroom to contemporary, are examined for their unique use of pathways, underscoring creativity and inclusivity in dance.

Conclusion:Ton and Jean wrap up with thoughts on future explorations of this vast topic, inviting listeners to tune in to future episodes for a deeper understanding.

Tune in to hear more captivating insights and stories on our next episode!

Ton & Jean

In this episode of Dance GEMs, Jean and Ton dive into the fascinating world of forms in dance, with a special focus on the in-between forms—those transitional moments between defined forms. They explore how movement flows between forms, whether shape and form are the same, and how dancers can develop greater awareness of their transitions.

Along the way, they also discuss:

• The difference between shape and form and how language has evolved around these concepts.

• How dance is not just about arriving at a pose but about consciously moving between forms.

• The importance of proprioception and how dancers can refine their awareness of form in space.

• The historical evolution of words like "shape" and "form", looking at their etymology.

• The visual vs. kinesthetic perception of movement—how we tend to think in two dimensions while dance exists in three (or even four!).

This episode challenges listeners to rethink how they approach dance: Is it just about hitting the final pose, or should we give equal importance to the transition?

💡 Movement is not just about hitting the final form but about how you transition between forms.
💡 Proprioception—our awareness of our own movement—is key to refining our forms in dance.
💡 The difference between form and shape is more than just semantics; it changes how we approach choreography.
💡 Dancers must balance visual learning (which often flattens movement into 2D) with kinesthetic awareness (which embraces movement in 3D and beyond).
💡 Thinking about dance in 4D (including time and movement) can change how we approach performance and training.

🔹 Episode 16 (Season 1): Form First, Function Second?
🔹 Episode 7 (Season 2): Form, Shape & Design

💬 What do you think about the idea of dancing between shapes rather than just from one form to another? Let us know!

📢 Follow & Subscribe:
🌐 Website: gem.dance.podcast
🎧 Available on all major platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.)

Until next time! Keep dancing between the shapes. 💃🕺

Join Jean and Ton in this intriguing episode of Dance GEMS as they dive into the origins of dance, exploring the fascinating world of dance terminology and etymology. Their shared Dutch background brings a unique perspective to the discussion on how language and culture influence dance.

Key Points Discussed:

• Multilingual Challenge: Both hosts discuss their Dutch roots, which bring a rich, diverse viewpoint to the linguistics of dance. They highlight how terms used in dance can vary significantly across different languages and cultures.

• Dance Terminology's Evolution: Ton and Jean emphasize the importance of having a uniform dance terminology to bridge communication gaps among different dance styles. They explore how terminology differs across ballet, hip hop, ballroom, and other dance forms, and the need for clarity.

• Gem Method: Ton sheds light on his GEM method, which aims to create a consistent terminology in the dance world, facilitating better communication and understanding among dancers and educators. This approach introduces new terms, providing more explicit definitions to help educators give precise instructions.

• Etymology of Dance Terms: Discover the etymology of common dance terms such as "plie," "pirouette," "jete," and even "mambo" and "cucaracha." Jean and Ton explain how understanding the origins of these terms can enhance a dancer's comprehension and execution of movements.

• Improving Dance Education: The hosts discuss the benefits of using terms that precisely describe dance movements, moving beyond vague descriptors like "energy," to enhance dance education and instruction.

• New Terminologies: Explore the introduction of new terms like muscle manipulation, muscle exploration, and the significance of a unified dance language through the GEM method.

• Real-world Applications: Ton and Jean illustrate how the careful terminology selection can impact dance education and communication within the broader artistic and commercial sectors.

• Encouragement for Dance Practitioners: The episode ends with a motivational call for dancers and educators to delve into the origins of dance terminology, encouraging self-discovery and exploration to unlock greater understanding and creative potential in dance.

In this engaging episode, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten dive into a fascinating discussion about the concept of Lines in Dance. They explore the idea of lines existing both inside and outside the body and their significance in movement. The conversation is inspired by Ton's book, which dedicates a substantial chapter to these lines.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Introduction of Lines in Dance:

   • What are lines in the context of dance?

   • Can lines be literally inside and outside the body?

2. Types of Lines:

   • The distinction between straight and curved lines.

   • Organic vs. geometric lines.

   • Symmetry and asymmetry in lines.

   • Imaginary lines, visual lines, future lines, past lines, body lines, posture lines, and action lines.

3. Imaginary Lines:

   • Imaginary lines start where body lines end.

   • The impact of imaginary lines on the perception of movement.

   • Projection of imaginary lines in dance.

4. Proprioception in Dance:

   • The role of proprioception in understanding body lines.

   • Differentiation between interoception (internal body states) and exteroception (external perception).

5. Importance of Defined and Free Lines:

   • Posture lines are often defined by dance organizations and styles.

   • Body lines, conversely, are free and created by the dancer's artistic expression.

6. Practical Applications:

   • Using lines in choreography and dance forms.

   • The role of lines in spatial awareness and movement direction.

   • The impact of posture and body lines on dance expression.

7. Future and Past Lines:

   • Understanding future lines as movements towards a goal.

   • Recognizing past lines through the traces left by movements.

8. Listener Engagement:

   • Encouragement for dancers to experiment and question the lines in their movements.

   • A WhatsApp group where listeners can engage further with these concepts and get additional resources.

Additional Resources: Listeners are encouraged to check out earlier relevant episodes, such as:

• Episode 36 of last season on body and posture lines.

• Episode 5 of this season on straight and curved lines.

Conclusion: Jean and Ton highlighted the essence of understanding and utilizing lines in dance, providing both theoretical insights and practical examples. Their discussion also paved the way for further exploration in future episodes. Join their WhatsApp group to explore these concepts and enhance your dance technique.

Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for one of the upcoming episodes, where we discuss the pathways created by lines in dance and how they influence movement and choreography.

In this episode of Dance GEMS, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten delve into the intricate topic of "Beyond Judgement, Subjectivity, and Assumptions in Dance." They explore how subjective language and preconceived notions can positively and negatively affect dance and discuss the importance of clear and objective communication in dance education.

Topics Covered:

Key Takeaways:

The choice of words can have a profound impact on dancers' growth and perception.

Recognizing and addressing our own biases and subjective tendencies is crucial.

Striving to use objective language helps in delivering clear instructions and maintaining fairness.

Focusing on positive language can foster a healthier learning environment.

Different cultures may have varying perceptions of “normal” and “acceptable” in dance and other areas.

Growth often comes from stepping outside of comfort zones and embracing different perspectives.

🔔 Next Episode Teaser: Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll dive into the fascinating topic of Terminology and its implications in dance. This episode will be closely related to today's discussion but seen from a different perspective.

Please send us a message to join our exclusive group for free!

Thank you for listening! We hope you found this episode insightful and inspiring. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and improve! 🌟

Dance GEMS - Episode: Form, Shape, Design

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of Dance GEMS! In this episode, hosts Ton and Jean dive into dance's fascinating world of form, shape, and design. Together, they unravel the complexities and subtle nuances these three integral components bring to the art of dance.

Join Jean and Ton in this thought-provoking episode as they venture into the depths of dance terminology and its practical applications. Whether you are a seasoned dancer, choreographer, or someone keen on the art, this episode promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of dance.

Stay tuned, and keep dancing! 🩰💃🕺

In this episode Ton and Jean are focussing on the most fundamental part of the GEM Methode: The Ten Body Parts. Find out why focussing on the Ten Main Body Parts enhances the understanding of movement and the learning process of dance. 

Episode Highlights:

Key Concepts Discussed:

Tools and Techniques:

Why You Should Listen:

Join the Dance GEMS Community:

Final Call to Action: Tune in, embrace the 10 body parts method, and elevate your dance! Don’t forget to join us in upcoming episodes where we explore more exciting topics. Happy dancing!

In this episode of Dance GEMS, host Jean and Ton explore the fascinating interplay between geometric and organic movements in dance. Here are the top 10 highlights you won't want to miss:

Geometric vs. Organic Movements:

Geometric movements are structured and predictable, often characterized by straight lines and symmetry. Organic movements, on the other hand, are fluid, unpredictable, and inspired by natural forms.

Notation Systems:

While systems like LABAN are comprehensive, they still struggle to fully capture the essence of organic movements, which are more spontaneous and free-form.

Musicality and Timing:

Dancing strictly on the beat offers a geometric approach, whereas dancing with the music allows for a more organic and expressive experience.

Improvisation in Dance:

Improvisation typically leans toward organic movement but can incorporate geometric elements for a unique style.

Societal Influence:

Both geometric (structured) and organic (natural) elements are essential in society. Examples from nature, like Fibonacci sequences, show the harmony between these forms.

Urban Design and Architecture:

Modern cities are increasingly designed with organic layouts for efficiency, blending straight lines with curves. Observing architecture can offer insights into geometric and organic elements.

Artistic Expression:

Incorporating both geometric and organic movements can enrich artistic expression, as seen in the evolution of dance forms like ballet and ballroom.

Effort and Muscle Tone:

Geometric movements require precise muscle tone, while organic movements involve a more relaxed and spontaneous use of muscles.

Floor and Air Pathways:

Understanding the spatial pathways, both on the floor and in the air, can enhance a dancer's ability to balance geometric and organic movements.

Creative Process:

The episode encourages dancers to explore both styles, breaking and manipulating movements to find a balance between intellectual engagement (geometric) and emotional expression (organic).

📝 Listener Engagement:

The hosts encourage listeners to observe their surroundings, identifying geometric and organic elements in various forms of art and architecture.

Feedback is welcomed for future episodes, with a curiosity for continued exploration.

🔊 Availability:

Tune in on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Additional resources and community discussions are accessible through the podcast's website and Facebook group.

Don't miss this deep dive into the dynamic world of dance, where structure meets spontaneity! 💃🕺

In this captivating episode of Dance GEMS, hosts Jean Dorff and Ton Greten dive deep into the realm of performance preparation and the nuanced art of simulation.

Whether you're a dancer, organizer, coach, or simply someone passionate about the performing arts, this episode is packed with invaluable insights to elevate your understanding of staging memorable performances.

The Power of Proper Lighting and Preparation: Learn how the proper lighting and meticulous preparation can transform an ordinary performance into an extraordinary spectacle. Sean and Ton reference the unforgettable performance by Charles and Elena to illustrate their points.

Crucial Elements for a Successful Performance: Discover why having all necessary elements in place—lighting, sound, timing—is paramount for creating a seamless experience for organizers, performers, and audiences alike.

Navigating Organizer-Performer Tensions: Explore the dynamics between event organizers and performers, understanding how these relationships can make or break the quality of a dance event.

Audience Engagement Beyond Personal Connections: Gain strategies to broaden audience appeal and engagement at dance events, breaking free from reliance on personal connections alone.

Precision in Timing and Scheduling: Hear about the importance of precise scheduling, with Ton sharing insights on how English competitions start exactly on time and how this influences dancer preparedness.

Importance of Music Quality and Consistency: Understand how crucial music quality and consistency are to a dancer's performance, including the impact of unclear music intros.

Adaptive Dancing and Music Interpretation: Discover why adapting to different music types and improvisation can offer greater expression and elevate performance.

Mental and Physical Preparation: Delve into the significance of mental and physical preparation for competitions, including simulating real conditions to minimize surprises. Coach’s Perspective on Training Methods: Ton discusses innovative training methods with a young coach and the importance of simulating accurate competition conditions.

Extensive Preparation Beyond Rehearsals: Learn why thorough preparation involves more than just rehearsing routines, including understanding venue specifics and maintaining professional standards.

This episode isn't just for dancers—for anyone involved in planning, organizing, or performing in events.

Jean and Ton discuss the broader implications of simulation and how it can be applied to various fields, including sports, emergency services, and even wedding planning.

Their multidimensional approach to preparations, highlighting both the creative and logistical aspects, will leave listeners with actionable strategies to implement in their practices.

Join Jean Dorff and Ton Greten as they peel back the layers of what makes a truly compelling performance. Whether preparing for your next big dance competition or aiming to bring more precision into your event planning, this conversation will arm you with the tools and inspiration to achieve excellence.

We love hearing from our listeners! Please share your thoughts and experiences with us on Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or through our website.

Your feedback helps us create more content that resonates with your needs and passions. Follow us, leave a review, and stay tuned for more episodes of Dance GEMS, where we continue to explore the beautiful interplay of simulation, creation, and performance.