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.

Hello and welcome to Dance GEMS! 

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the intricate world of singular and composed movements in dance. We’ll explore how breaking down movements from a macro to a micro level is vital for creating detailed and impactful dance performances. We’ll discuss the importance of precise terminology, the readability of movements to an audience, and the broader applications of these concepts beyond dance. Plus, we’ll draw fascinating parallels to art and architecture, such as Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the works of Mondriaan and Rietveld. So, whether you are a dancer, choreographer, or simply an enthusiast, stay tuned for a thought-provoking conversation that will elevate your understanding and appreciation of movement and its complexities. Let’s get started!

Key topics discussed include:

Listen in as Jean and Ton explore these themes, offering valuable insights and actionable advice for dancers, choreographers, and enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss this deep dive into the world of movement and its applications across various disciplines!

Show Notes:

In this captivating episode of "Dance GEMS," hosts Jean and Ton Greten dive deep into the intricate relationship between dance and personality. They explore the innovative equation for personality (P = F + E + D), breaking down its components: form, expression, and dynamic, and how these elements interweave to shape individual dancers' unique styles.

Key Concepts Discussed:

Unique Highlights:

Practical Takeaways:

Engage with Us:

Teaser: Ever wondered how your personality shapes your dance style? Or how the interplay of form, expression, and dynamics creates a unique dance experience? Tune in to find out how you can unlock the art and science of movement with the Gretten Equation Method and explore the deep connections between dance, emotion, and individuality.

This episode is perfect for dancers, choreographers, dance enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the fusion of art, science, and personality in the realm of dance. Listen now and embark on a journey to discover the intricate beauty of movement!

Welcome to another episode of Dance GEMS! We are Ton Greten and Jean Dorff, we are back to dive deep into the world of dance. We're gearing up for our second season, which kicks off Oct. 25, and we're excited to explore a range of topics designed to educate, inform and inspire you.

In today's episode, we give you a preview of the upcoming season, where we cover fascinating topics such as neuroplasticity, empathy and embodiment in dance. We also discuss our unique “GEM Method,” to give you a fresh perspective on familiar topics and introduce new ones.

Ton and I are passionate about offering a comprehensive learning ecosystem that combines podcast discussions, audiobooks and written materials, conferences and workshops. We are here to support dance teachers and dance enthusiasts alike, providing a holistic approach to understanding the unity of body and mind in dance.

Get ready to take notes, rewatch episodes and join us in challenging traditional ideas and exploring new horizons in the world of dance!

In this episode of Dance GEMS, Ton and Jean explore the often overlooked but critical aspect of dance: mental coaching. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, your mindset plays a pivotal role in your performance, creativity, and overall well-being. Join us as we explore how mental coaching can elevate your dance journey, from overcoming self-doubt to enhancing focus and resilience. Tune in to discover strategies that can help dancers thrive, both on and off the stage.

Welcome to our latest blog episode, where we delve into the crucial topic of injury prevention and diagnosis in dance. Today, we are honored to have an enlightening conversation with the esteemed radiologist Dr. Silvia Schiffer.

In this episode, Dr. Schiffer shares her extensive expertise on the physical challenges that dancers face and provides practical advice on preventing and diagnosing injuries effectively. With her profound knowledge in sports medicine and a deep understanding of dance demands, Dr. Schiffer offers invaluable insights into maintaining dancers' health and enhancing their performance.

Join us as we explore essential strategies for injury prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment that every dancer and dance instructor should know. Whether you are a professional dancer, a student, or simply passionate about dance, this episode promises to equip you with vital information to help you dance safely and gracefully.

Stay tuned for an engaging and educational discussion that bridges the gap between the art of dance and the science of injury prevention!

In this episode of Dance Gems, we delve into the intricate world of body lines and posture lines in dance.

These elements are not just mere positions but form the very foundation of any dance form. They shape the dancer's silhouette, create visual interest, and contribute to the storytelling aspect of the performance.

Body and posture lines play a crucial role in maintaining balance and facilitating movement in dance. A dancer's ability to control and manipulate these lines can dramatically affect the fluidity and grace of their performance.

Join us as we unravel the subtle nuances of these elements and their profound impact on the art of dance. This exploration will provide a deeper understanding of the artistry and technicality involved in dance performances.

Join us on Dance GEMS as we delve into the world of facial expressions in dance. Discover how the right expressions can transform a performance, the pitfalls of overusing them in competitive settings, and the impact of neglecting them altogether. Tune in for insights, tips, and stories that will help you master the art of expressive dance. Whether you're a dancer, instructor, or enthusiast, this episode is a must-listen! 💃🕺

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