Mastering Chaos
The Musician's Way
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Improvisations may be commenced by an initial agreed ‘holding form’ which allows for the possibility that it can be discarded or changed when it is felt appropriate to do so or when the fledgling organisation starts to ‘take on a life of its own’.
The holding form is a starting point, a way of getting the improvisation off the ground. It can be anything from a simple melody or rhythm to a more complex structure. The important thing is that it provides a framework for the improvisation to develop within.
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The adaptivity prerequisite allows for the possibility that the holding form may be changed or discarded as the improvisation progresses. This is important, as it allows the improvisation to remain fresh and spontaneous. If the holding form were too rigid, it would stifle the creativity of the improvisers.
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The holding form is not a straitjacket. It is a tool to be used and adapted as the improvisation requires. When the improvisation ‘takes on a life of its own’, the holding form may no longer be necessary. In this case, it can be discarded and the improvisation can continue in a more free-form manner.
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Improvisation is a powerful tool for creativity. It allows us to explore new ideas and to express ourselves in new ways. The holding form can be a helpful guide in the early stages of an improvisation, but it is important to remember that it is just a tool. The real creativity comes when we allow ourselves to let go of the holding form and to follow our intuition.
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Here are some examples of how the holding form can be used in different types of improvisation:
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In music, the holding form could be a simple melody or rhythm. The improvisers would then build on this foundation, adding their own ideas and variations.
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In dance, the holding form could be a simple step pattern. The dancers would then improvise their own movements, using the step pattern as a starting point.
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In theater, the holding form could be a simple scene. The actors would then improvise their own dialogue and actions, using the scene as a starting point.
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The possibilities are endless. The important thing is to find a holding form that works for you and your collaborators. Once you have a holding form, you can start to improvise and see where it takes you. You may be surprised at what you create.