The Ripe Scale

The Ripe Scale is a sacred group dance originating in The Contested Storm. The form guides dancers during improvised performances. The dance is accompanied by any composition of The Wasp of Wings. The dancers perform in a single line, moving to the music's mafina rhythm. This dance is a refined artform, with three special positions to be mastered. The understated dance is punctuated by runs.

• The dance begins with the first theme of the music. The dancers perform slowly with the music. This relaxed section is punctuated by subtle backward bends and calm footwork.
• The dance enters a new section with the bridge-passage of the music. The dancers perform quickly with the music. This section is punctuated by movement performed in succession by group members.
• The dance enters a new section with the second theme of the music. The dancers perform very quickly with the music. This delicate section is punctuated by sprightly curved walks.
• The dance enters a new section with the synthesis of the music. The dancers perform faster and faster with the music. This section is punctuated by refined footwork and independent body movement.
• The icithi is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a graceful leftward bend with a low raised right arm and a left leg lift.
• The masa is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a high body level with an undulating hand gesture.
• The arile is one of the fundamental dance positions. There should be a left leg lift with a high body level, an expressive hand gesture and a serene arm carriage.

Events