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26. EARLY IN THE MORNING
“This exercise has three
sequences: semi-circular movements of one foot in front of the other;
rocking motions with alternating feet; and parallel movements of the hands
and feet.
“In the fi rst sequence, the forces of the human body come into harmony.
In the second sequence, we step once onto the heel and once onto the toes.
The heel represents the physical world; the toes – the world of the mind.
When we step onto our heels, we receive from the physical world; and when
we step onto our toes, we receive from the mental world. In this way,
we resolve the contradictions which exist in both worlds. All three positions
open the way for the right use of Nature’s bounties.” [1, p. 82]
Description
Music: Melody 26 (“Early in the Morning”) – 24 measures repeated four
times, total of 96 measures. This music is played one time for the fi
rst sequence, one time for the second sequence and twice for the third
sequence.
Starting position
The participants are arranged in the circle, the left arm towards the
center, feet together, hands on the hips, thumbs behind.
Movement sequence
Sequence I
1st measure, 1st beat: the right foot, well extended, draws almost a semi-circle
(a 120 degree arc) slightly above the ground across the left leg and points
its toes diagonally in front of the left foot (fi gures 26.1 and 26.2).
2nd beat: the right foot sweeps back making a semi-circle to the right
and is placed to the right, slightly to the side, toes touching the ground
(fi gure 26.3). The hands are on the hips as in the starting position
until the end of Sequence I.
2nd measure, 1st beat: as the 1st measure, 1st beat (semi-circle in front
of the left foot). 2nd beat: the right
foot sweeps back making a semi-circle to the right and then returns to
the left foot.
3rd measure: 1st beat: step forwards with the right foot. 2nd beat: step
forwards with the left foot.
4th measure, 1st beat: step forwards with the right foot. 2nd beat: the
left foot returns to the right foot.
5th, 6th, 7th and 8th measures: repeat the same movements as in the fi
rst four measures but with
the feet reversed.
These eight measures are repeated three times until the end of the melody
(24 measures).
Sequence II
1st measure, 1st beat: the partners join their inside hands as described
in exercise 23, i.e. the right hand of the inner dancer over the left
hand of the outer. The hands are raised at the height of the head, while
the outer hands are on the hips. Simultaneously step forwards with the
right foot (fi gure 26.4). 2nd beat: step forwards with the left foot,
hands continue to hold (fi gure 26.5). 2nd measure: as the 1st.
While performing these movements,
with each step the inside joined hands, make a little push forwards in
time with the music.
3rd measure, 1st beat: step forwards with the left foot. Rock backwards
on the heels
while the toes of both feet are lifted. At the same time the hands are
brought down and back (fi gure 26.6). 2nd beat: swing forwards on the
toes of both feet, the heels are lifted.
The joined hands are raised forwards
and up (fi gure 26.7). 4th measure: as the 3rd. These movements are repeated
to the end of the melody, altogether 24 measures. After fi nishing sequence
II the hands are released.
Sequence III
1st measure, 1st beat: step forwards with the right foot, simultaneously
the hands are placed on the hips*. 2nd beat: step with the left foot (fi
gure 26.8).
2nd measure, 1st beat: step forwards with the right foot. 2nd beat: the
left foot comes back next to the right foot.
3rd measure, 1st beat: the right foot steps to the side, the toes touch
the ground. At the same time the arms stretch horizontally to the side,
palms down (fi gures 26.9 and 26.10). 2nd beat: right foot comes back
next to the left foot. At the same time the hands return to the hips (figure
26.11).
4th measure: the same as the 3rd.
5th measure, 1st beat: the right foot is brought forwards, toes touching
the ground. At the same time both hands extend forwards parallel and horizontal
to the ground, palms down (fi gure 26.12). 2nd beat: right foot returns
next to the left and at the same time the hands are placed back on the
hips. 6th measure: like the 5th.
7th measure, 1st beat: step forwards
with the right foot, and at the same time both arms go horizontally forwards
stretched out and parallel, palms down (fi gure 26.13). 2nd beat: step
forwards with the left foot and at the same
time the hands are placed on the hips.
8th measure: the same as 7th measure but at the 2nd beat the left foot
comes to the right.
9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th measures are performed as 3rd, 4th,
5th, 6th, 7th and 8th measures, but with feet reversed. From the 15th
to the 24th measures, the movements of the 3rd – 12th measures are repeated.
Then the whole sequence III (altogether 48 measures) is repeated but the
1st and the 2nd measures are performed this time as the 7th and the 8th,
i.e. with movements of the hands.
After fi nishing the exercise the feet come together and the hands come
to the sides of the body.
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