Alexandra Beller composed this choreographic score for Typescenes. It describes one of many ways the book can be danced.

Catalyzing the end, or a Death Score

Pick a word that feels important to you and write it down.

Write a sentence that ends with that word.

Create one gesture (not consciously related to the word).

Develop a short phrase that ends with that gesture.

Start speaking until you have formed a sentence, then write it down (or have someone write it as you are inventing it).

Create a very short phrase of movement without knowing where it is going and find the ending.

Do only the endings, first one, then the other, over and over. What do you notice?

Journal or move or speak about the differences between those experiences (Starting from the ending vs. arriving at the ending). Neither is inherently better, just different. What did you notice in the process of arriving versus knowing where you’d end up?

Videotape your two phrases and see if people can determine which had a definitive end idea and why.

Alexandra Beller is Artistic Director of Alexandra Beller/Dances, which is currently celebrating its fifteenth anniversary. As a member of the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company from 1995-2001, she performed in over 50 countries and throughout the U.S. In 2004-05 she helped to create “The Belle Epoch,” (Martha Clarke and Charles Mee). She was a 2-year Artist in Residence at HERE, and has also been an AIR at Dance New Amsterdam and DMAC. You can learn more about her at her web site.