The Pitchers

The Pitchers 

The studies in Rhythm- The Grand Americana. The grand school of the ballet of The USA- Isadora Duncan was the first one who taught this method of Physical Education in the schools of The USA, The UK, and The USSR.
The performance was approved by The Department Of Education Of The USA.
The article is presented as it is.

Studies in Rhythm 

Marjorie Woolnoth England 

Imagination 

THE studies given here, aim at expressing the spirit, rather than  of the music, therefore a certain amount of license in following the music note for note is allowable.

In teaching, the story or theme of the study should first of all be described to the children, while the music being played, so that they may be able to visualize scene before setting out to portray it.  

scene before setting out to portray it 

While giving the children a definite line of thought to follow, they should be encouraged to fill in detail expression according to their own ideas. It will be that in most of the studies provision has been made self-expression. Thus, the children dance to the Piper's piping at their own free will, with the observance of landmarks, such as standing still at the break of the music. In this way the study is infinitely more joyous and beneficial to the children than if they were to follow set steps through. They must not be allowed, however, to movements that are contrary to the rhythm and of the music. 

Studies of this nature give the scope for originality, creative power with which the modern child is blessed. It also tends to develop retiring and lazy children, who are only too ready to borrow their ideas from and copy what they see before them, whereas thrown their own, they are forced to find a way for themselves.

The Pitchers 

Impersonating Eastern women, fetching water from pool or river. Straight, smooth walking, balance, erect carriage are the main points to be observed. 

Five children take position across top right corner room, a similar group taking position at bottom left of room. The latter group sits on floor while top group performs a study, afterwards performing study while group is seated. Groups are placed thus: 

One, three children, one child. 

Ready position. 

Balance imaginary pitcher on left shoulder, left arm raised above, with hand curved downward, steadying top of right hand, placed against left shoulder supporting of pitcher.

Illustration 18 

1 Top group advances diagonally to center (walking two steps to the bar), keeping formation. The leader arriving at center of room, first stands still and waits till the others fall into straight line on right and left. Eight bars. 

2 Kneel slowly, bend forward and lower pitcher into water, keeping hands at top and bottom of pitcher. Four bars. 

3 Wait in easy position each child in own attitude watching pitchers fill.( Illustration 19) Eight bars. 

4 Bend down to water, raise pitcher place on shoulder, in same position as before. Rise very slowly and steadily, with weight on front foot.Turn ready to go back/ Four  bars.

5 Walk back in same manner as 1- the leader starting first ,the others following in place. Eight bars.

As the top group finishes ,the bottom group takes ready position.  

References:

1.PRIMARY EDUCATION-POPULAR EDUCATOR, April 1927