In a measure of two beats, the length of beat can change from as low as two divisions (e.g. two eighths with a quarter note beat) to 6 divisions (e.g. 6 eighths with a dotted half note beat). I call the number of divisions right before each change. You could:
- Simply step, gesture or conduct the beat (always in groups of 2; only the length of the beat changes).
- Step the beat, gesture or silently clap the divisions. Also the reverse.
- Step the division on 1 and the length of the whole beat on 2.
- Toss a scarf (if not a scarf, it will need an object with some sort of air resistance unless you are outside or have very tall ceilings!) on the first beat, catch it on the second.
- Same as above but also step the division on 1 and the full length of the beat on 2.
Plenty more ways you could get creative with this.
We’ll work with this activity (among others) in the Open Class Wednesday morning, October 6, 2020. This is a free Open Level Drop-in Dalcroze class I’m offering online during October and November. Send me your info through the contact form and I’ll put you on the list.
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