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SESSIONS Movement Analysis of The Green Table. by Makiko Takano, Japan Paper Introduction The purpose of this paper is to consider the relationship between movement and expression in dance by applying the Jooss-Leeder Method to “The Green Table”, choreographed by Kurt Jooss. Having professed himself “a Playwright of Movement” , Jooss thought that dance should be able to talk in a language of movements. He devised a style of expression, which he termed “The Dance Drama” and created many works. The most well-known of these was his anti-war work: “The Green Table”. He also founded the Jooss-Leeder Method, a teaching method based on the theories of Rudolph Laban. In this paper we have made reference to “Modern Dance: the Jooss-Leeder Method” (J. Winearls, 1958), and analyzed the movements of “The Green Table” on video. Methods 1. Videotape Analysis We analyzed the videotape of the performance of the Star Dancers Ballet, Japan (1983) mainly, and referenced other videotapes including performances by Joffrey Ballet (1982), The Wuppertal Tanz Teatre (1985) and Folkwang Ballet (1976). 2. Interviews 1) Anna Markard. 29/1/1993 and 14/1/1994 2) Hermann Markard, Anna’s husband and the art director, 15/1/1994 3) Ruriko Tachikawa, ambassador of the Star Dancers Ballet. 8/12/1991 3. Rehearsal visits 1) The Stage rehearsal 29/1/1993, 14/1/1994, and 15/1/1994 (Tokyo, Japan ) Conclusion This data led to the conclusions outlined below: 1) Jooss emphasized the use of diagonal line from upstage left to downstage right and harmonized the direction of the basic formation with Death’s 4th diagonal movement. This diagonal line was used to transmit the power of Death to the audience. 2) Death’s movements were composed of three elements of Eukinetiks: quick, strong and central. This represents the existence of Death and that he was powerful and strict. Semi-circular paths and circular paths characterized Death’s movements. This shows the interpretation that Death is dignified and supreme. 3) Jooss made appropriate use of many gestures, so that everybody was able to understand the message of “The Green Table” clearly and easily. “The Green Table” is Jooss’ masterpiece, which still remains relevant today. All the movements are expressed very clearly, so consequently, the anti-war message has been poignantly expressed to people all over the world. Because it has been said that the elements of movement in the Jooss-Leeder Method are indexes of expressive content, we can refer to this, in order to analyze the choreographer’s intention for the movements of “The Green Table.” There still needs to be further consideration of its wider use for and applicability to other works. Makiko Takano is an associate professor at Yamanashi Prefectural University, Japan. She majored in dance education and choreology at Ochanomizu University where she began her study of Kurt Jooss and “The Green Table”. She was selected as the recipient of a scholarship to study in England by the Ministry of Education and Science in Japan. She studied at the Professional Diploma in Dance Study Courses, Laban, from September 2003 to February 2004. She also holds a Master of Arts degree in Dance Education from Ochanomizu University.
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