The Origin and Development of Eurythmy 1912–1918

GA 277a — 28 August 1915, Dornach

The Apollonian Course XII

Judging by its content, the lesson of August 28, 1915, was kept short, probably because on that day the performance of the last scene from Goethe's Faust – Mountain Gorges (“Ascension”) — which had taken place for the first time on August 15, 1915 — was repeated on this day to celebrate Goethe's birthday. In addition to the theme of “Tempo and Pauses,” Marie Steiner's original notes (Nz AK12,1-2) also contain the following note: “1907 — Figures [planetary seals] as preludes.” This can already be read as a preview of the following lesson on August 30, 1915, in which the Mercury seal was given as a prelude to the presentation of the seventh picture of the “F-forte of Initiation.”

Accelerating - Slowing down - Keeping steady

One can:

accelerate
decelerate
remain at the same pace, keep steady

This expresses something quite different:

When I accelerate my step, this expresses: resisting something, rushing towards something – something very active /! Accelerating is an active sensation.
When I slow down my steps, this expresses: retreating, retreating from something – physically or emotionally, from physical or emotional pain – something passive. // Delaying must correspond to retreating; also to be taken emotionally.
If the movements remain steady, remain at the same pace, this expresses contentment – physical or emotional. // Steadiness – also inner steadiness. Contentment in the broadest sense. // Steadiness within oneself.

Long and short pauses

In addition, a distinction can be made between a long or short pause between two movements. // There can be a long or short interval between two gestures. /! Something different is expressed when a long pause or a short pause is inserted in dance and text:

Taking a long pause expresses that you want to hold the content of the conversation within yourself, to connect with the content. // A long pause means that you want to connect with something, to hold it.
If I make the pause very short, this expresses that I want to get the content of the conversation out, get it out of myself. // Short pause — squeeze it out. // Short or no pause means that you want to get it out of yourself, free yourself from it. To retreat and yet step forward with the verb means to tolerate.