DOTS

"The Dots" is a movement research practice developed by Aleksandra Janeva Imfeld. It serves as a tool to both acknowledge and disrupt habitual patterns, rhythms, and sequences in improvisation, resetting the body in unexpected ways. The body is treated as a space, with each “dot” acting as an author within that space, shifting focus from traditional movement initiators (e.g., limbs) to precise internal points that trigger movement.

Through this practice, participants learn to make choices with trust and immediacy, viewing decisions as part of an evolving composition. Instead of judging choices as right or wrong, they engage in a continuous dialogue between action and feedback, shaping the next move based on the body’s response to what just happened. This rapid back-and-forth deepens participants' understanding of the body’s impulses and reactions.

The methodology includes a range of exercises, from simple to complex, designed to enhance the connection between the “dot” as a movement initiator—the “author of the movement”—and the body’s motor and sensory functions.

• The Dot (Ball) as the Movement Initiator / The dot, a small ball-like structure, is the motor of movement, serving as the central point of initiation. Its texture can change, influencing the quality of movement, whether soft or firm. By focusing on the dot, the mover refines their precision and deepens awareness of the body’s structure.

• The Helpers as Coordinators of the Movement / "Helpers " are other body parts or systems that assist in executing the movement initiated by the dot. These include muscles, fascia, and more. Sometimes, helpers activate before the dot, creating a dynamic preparation process. For instance, when lifting the head, muscles in the neck, shoulders, and pelvis may engage to balance the action.

• Composition/The dot initiates movement, but the mover decides how many helpers are involved, from minimal to full-body engagement. This deepens body awareness and transforms movement into a creative composition, offering a range of expressive possibilities from precise control to expansive, whole-body movement.

  • The "Dot" methodology is based on the idea of an imaginary point that can be placed anywhere on the dancer’s body. It is essential to understand that, once placed, the dot does not move within that specific part of the body – it doesn’t slide, shift, or expand locally. Instead, the dot may "jump" to another part of the body, from where it then takes the lead in initiating movement.

 The Dots" fosters an environment where participants not only explore their own bodies but also share energy and inspiration with others. It invites participants to collectively shape a research space, where support, unpredictability, and collaboration thrive.

Participants also engage in the “Solo of the Day” and “Performance of the Day” practices, which encourage them to become more comfortable being observed by others, while also learning to borrow and integrate the movement logic of their peers.

As a teacher, Aleksandra integrates DJ-ing and diverse music selections to challenge habitual ways of moving to rhythm. By introducing various music genres and styles, participants are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones and make unexpected dance choices, freeing their bodies from ingrained patterns. The different musical landscapes provide a creative framework that invites dancers to adapt and explore new dynamics within their movement.

The use of humor is also a vital part of the process, creating a supportive environment where participants can embrace self-observation and constructive criticism with openness and ease. Humor helps to break down barriers, allowing dancers to approach their own observations with lightness and fostering a space of growth and shared learning.