DANZ QUARTERLY No 7 April 2007
Reviews
DVD Review - Move it : Dance class choreographed and taught by Anita Hutchins
Reviewed by Sue Cheesman
Anita Hutchins, winner of TV series S o you think you can dance 2006, states that her aim in this dance class is for the viewer to enjoy dancing on their own or with friends in the hope that her movements will inspire those viewing to find their own dance groove.
The introduction has some very useful information in regard to safety - objects in the space, footwear and advises viewers to listen to their body because everyone’s is different. Suggestions on how to use the DVD are given, including progressions and ways to further your performance such as focusing on elements of timing, energy, imagery, and pathways. She also gives a very useful tip suggesting that if the viewer is having problems learning the movements they may like to view the TV image in a mirror. However it would have added greatly to the learning if Anita and the class had been filmed from the back view demonstrating each exercise. She does say that the class will not be mastered in one go and encourages participants to rewind and review the DVD.
The dance class follows a typical kind of format for a contemporary class: warm up consisting of exercises mainly in place, the main body of the class followed by three travelling sequences, two for solo performers and one duet. The three sequences are longer and vary in content, providing different challenges to the class participants. The class is then completed with a warm down.
Three female dancers and one male dancer join Anita in the class to help demonstrate and illustrate different personal styles and movement variations. While this is a laudable aim, unfortunately the two dancers at the sides are often in shadow or out of camera making it hard to see their interpretations of many of the exercises. This is further compounded by the male dancer wearing black. In contrast Anita is always in light colours and it is easy to see her execution of the exercises.
She clearly explains each successive exercise as she demonstrates them. They are broken down into teachable chunks, then progressively each bit is added to the previous one to complete the exercise in full. At the end of the teaching phrase you see the exercise danced by Anita and the class to the music.
Step by step progressions are comprehensive and documented on this DVD in several ways. An excellent glossary section clearly explains the vocabulary used through animation and a written brief. This is very useful and the pair of elongated animated legs clearly has the moves and grooves. A resource like this would be very useful in secondary schools, foundation courses as well as personal collections.
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