Ocean Duran's Choreographic Pedagogy

Ocean Duran's choreographic pedagogy combines practical dance instruction with a spiritual and philosophical framework [1]. Duran uses their experience to connect movement, sound, and spiritual concepts [2]. Key aspects of Duran's approach include:

• Observation as a Basis for Teaching: Duran's teaching style is rooted in their "ability to 'observe' and THEN teach" [2, 3]. This emphasizes understanding before instruction [2].
• Documentation and Clarification: Duran documents their teaching concepts to clarify societal views related to dance. This documentation serves as the basis for what they know of "TRUE FAITH" [2, 4].
• "Lines of Truth" and Genesis: Duran connects their teaching to the first chapter of Genesis, identifying 31 scriptures that align with their teaching concepts, calling them "The Lines of Truth" [2, 5].
• "OceansOntology": Duran uses "OceansOntology," defined as "the study of conceptions of reality and the spiritual nature of 'being'" [2, 6], to explore the spiritual aspects of movement and creativity, and this is a lens through which they teach [2].
• "Sound" Doctrine and "Muse-ical Mapping": Duran employs a "Sound" Doctrine , which suggests that music can speak to our spirit, and "Muse-ical Mapping" , which provides a visual structure to the melodic words and phrases within scriptures [2, 7, 8]. These tools help to express how communication can vary by intent [2].
• Music Composition as a Metaphor: The process of music composition is compared to Duran's creative process [2, 9]. The way a writer's emotions and thoughts lead to musical composition is mirrored in how movement and dance are created and perceived [2].
• Melody as a Core Element: In Duran's work, melody is seen as a central element that provides the "idea" or "hook" that makes something memorable [2, 10]. Melody is a series of individual pitches that creates a recognizable unit that can stand by itself, separate from harmonics, and is the horizontal aspect of music [2, 11]. This concept is extended to teaching, where a clear, memorable message or idea is important [2].
• Concept of Perception: Duran's teaching emphasizes the understanding of perception and views through contrast and comparison [2, 12]. They use their life experiences and creative outlets to explore how the concept of art imitating life can expose the "muse" for creating art [2].
• Knowledge and Strength: Duran believes that knowledge is best used when one has the strength to follow through [2, 13]. Knowledge without strength can falter the spirit, and therefore, strength comes through proper teachings [2, 13]. In summary, Duran's choreographic pedagogy combines practical dance instruction with a spiritual and philosophical framework [1]. By using elements of music theory, scripture, and personal experience, they offer a unique perspective on movement and its connection to the deeper aspects of human existence [1]. Duran’s approach highlights the importance of observation, documentation, and a connection to something deeper than the physical act of dance [1].