TALK-THROUGH

The Underscore is generally not led with verbal cues, so dancers learn about the elements of the Underscore with a “Talk-Through.” A Talk-Through includes a brief history and description and then then a talk, going through the 20+ phases, 12+ connections, and 7+ aspects with all of their Glyphs. A few movements of movement embodiment of the Underscore elements are encouraged! Nancy Stark Smith, Underscore originator, felt that a Talk-Through should be done in-person, because there is a “transmission” through the oral tradition.

A Talk-Through is required for newcomers for what is called a “Full Score Practice.” Experienced Underscorers are encouraged to do many Talk-Throughs to deepen their study of the Underscore. The idea is that dancers “know” the Underscore and are coming together to share the practice at the event. Generally the only cues during the Underscore are for Assembly, Final Resolution, the Sharing, and of course the end! Though with newer or less experienced groups, some facilitators gently lead some of the phases and sprinkle in some words about the Connections or the Anytime-All-the-Time Aspects.

We encourage facilitators to offer a “talk-through” of the Global Underscore before a Full Score Practice (one of the Options for Participation). Nancy often did the Talk-Through a day before the practice. For a Full Score Practice, a talk-through is 60+ minutes in order to allow for questions and embodied understanding. GUS’ In-Depth Talk-Through is 2.5 hours. Nancy Stark Smith did extra in-depth 3-hour Talk-Though, called Unpacking the Underscore.

A talk-through is done before, not during the Underscore practice, for a Full Score Practice. For Modified Score Jams, you can have a shorter talk-through and can have it during the practice.