0 Riffin' & Cuttin' Introduction

COURSE: riffin-and-cuttin

FOCUS: This lesson introduces the concept of riffing in dance, which is a creative conversation and building ideas with others, inspired by black American culture and blues, with the goal of understanding and practicing riffing to develop personal versions rather than imitation.

TIP & TRICKS:

• Look for inspiration from your partner's movements.
• Listen out for cues in the music to guide your riffing.
• Change what you see in small ways to make it your own.
• Practice riffing with at least one other person.
• Develop ideas based on what others do around you.

REMEMBER:

• Riffing is about creative conversation and community inspiration.
• The goal is to understand the practice, not just imitate movements.
• Everything in dance can come from riffing and personal adaptation.
• Riffing evolved in social spaces, not formal academic settings.
• It should result in your own version of the same idea.