The Principles of Movement (RPM) is a revolutionary methodology created by Jo Anna Kneeland. It was refined by Ruth Petrinovic to revolutionize and replace the traditional techniques in teaching classical ballet.
Teachers certified to teach this methodology will find that it has fourteen principles influenced by research in anatomy, kinesiology, and physics.
Unlike other methodologies, RPM focuses on a holistic approach, which applies different branches of study to create a cohesive and comprehensive method. These principles merge science and dance, which instructors use to correct any technical issue their students struggle with.
There are many benefits to learning these fourteen principles. One of which is it empowers students and teachers alike. Here’s how RPM empowers new dance students:
1. It uses science to empower dancers with knowledge regarding their bodies and movements.
The RPM module discusses various branches of science. These include anatomy, kinesthetics, body mechanics, and physics to educate dancers and teachers on how specific movements come to fruition.
Additionally, supplementary research from these branches of science also discusses the physical and mental effects of such principles of movement.
When we learn these fundamentals, we appreciate how much work it takes to dance.
2. It emphasizes dancers learning to adapt to their surroundings to execute specific dance moves.
Many traditional schools focus heavily on the “perfect body” for dance. However, RPM emphasizes the science behind these perfectly executed moves and how you can make them work for you.
Suppose a person is born with a physical obstacle that would hinder their ability to dance. In that case, RPM empowers you to find solutions for adapting and executing these moves.
When Ms. Kneeland discussed this methodology, it was not without criticism. Nevertheless, the more open-minded because it makes it so much easier for a wide range of people to get into the art of dance.
When a person overcomes obstacles with minimal risk, it can only lead to more positive growth. RPM helps students and teachers realize that truth.
3. It clears up any confusing semantics used in dance training.
Dance has been taught for centuries, especially traditional ones like ballet. In these traditional teachings, specific semantics that instructors use become synonymous with “rigid,” “difficult,” and “tense” positions. RPM aims to limit this misunderstanding between instructor and student by clearly defining their directions.
For instance, it is not enough to teach a dancer to “pull up.” It would be best if you taught them to do so by telling them to “zip up,” which is one of the many exercises in RPM.
To learn more about these fourteen principles, check out this available webinar on YouTube. You can also read about the fourteen principles on this website.
Cheryl Ale The Spark 