In the context of the Bernstein method, which is a pedagogical approach to teaching and interpreting dance, especially in relation to musicality and movement, phrases are often marked using specific notational symbols. Here’s a breakdown of how phrases may be indicated:
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Brackets: Used to enclose entire phrases or sections of a dance. This helps to visually group movements that belong together, indicating the start and end of a phrase.
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Ph Marking (Phrase Marking): This often involves specific symbols or shorthand notation that indicates the flow and dynamics of a phrase. It may involve using letters or abbreviations to denote particular types of movement or intention within the phrase.
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Half Circles: These are sometimes used to indicate the shape or arc of a movement or transition within a phrase. A half circle can suggest a fluid and continuous movement, emphasizing the idea of a phrase as a natural extension of movement.
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Articulations: This refers to specific annotations that highlight how movements should be executed—such as sharpness, fluidity, or emphasis in certain parts of the phrase. Articulation markings can indicate the dynamics, speed, or quality of the movements involved in the phrase.
These notational methods are part of a larger system used in the Bernstein approach to effectively communicate the dynamics and structure of movement, allowing dancers to understand and interpret the choreography with greater depth.