Dance Techniques 2010

Jennifer Muller — Muller Technique
261
Yvonne Hardt, Vera Sander
Conclusion
The topics of change, ebb and flow of energy, acceptance, and motivation
characterize Jennifer Muller’s approach and form the philosophical foundation
of her dance technique. She combines the influence of Asian philosophy
with the objective of training dancers who can credibly communicate
onstage, because, for Muller, dance is communication. Along with increasing
dancers’ potential for movement, her technique also focuses on enhancing
performance qualities (fostered through energy–work) with additional
teaching formats like ‘Creative Mind Work’, ‘Performance Skills’, and ‘Solo
Phrasework’. 30 All of these practices are brought together in order to focus
on the free flow of energy within the body, to create knowledge and meaning
from the powers of imagination and visualization, and to train awareness
about the technique’s movement principles.
The Muller Technique refers to energy systems that are visualized as an
‘inner motor for movement’. The technique, which is organic, mentally stimulating,
and works with energy, increases the body’s transparency for energy,
creates movement flow, trains awareness for individual body parts (and their
interplay), and imparts an understanding of the body’s structure. The technique
thus broadens previously acquired technical skills, promotes the power
of expression, and aims to protect the body from injury through its holistic
approach.
Jennifer Muller, and her technique as it emerged in the 1970s, is thus considered
a pioneer in the field of relaxation–based training. However, more
so than the Release–based techniques that have since come into existence,
she retains the rudiments of ballet and traditional modern dance while fundamentally
transforming both by applying various movement and energy
principles.
30 ‘Solo Phrasework’ is a teaching format
directed toward soloists; it addresses
dynamics, phrasing, intention, concentration
of movement, structure, and focus.