Course Description
Advanced-level course designed to aid the student in further continued acquisition and development of technical skills in contemporary dance. Technique and theory basic to this dance form plus motional properties as they relate to dance will be emphasized.
Athena Title
Contemporary Dance IV
Prerequisite
Four hours of DANC 3653 and permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall and spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The course involves the practice of skill proficiency required of an advanced level contemporary dance performer. The DANC 4654 student should be able to demonstrate consistent use of “core support,” movement efficiency and ease, and refined lines. Stylistic integrity, performance maturity and cultivation of a fuller range of dynamic qualities and expressive movement phrasing should become apparent. Lengthy, fast paced and complex movement combinations will be evaluated throughout the course, with a final juried solo performance that is approximately three-minutes in length. Outside practice and performance to deepen the contemporary style will be observed and applied. Discussion of class performance, juried evaluations and reflective papers are evaluated throughout the course.
Topical Outline
Topics will include the following: Establishing “core” support Dynamic Alignment Balance and control in adagio movement Complex and varied movement transitions Axial movements, leg extensions, level changes Complex and speedy locomotion patterns and pathways Acute musicality through the use of tempo, rhythm and phrasing variations Dynamics, textures and phrasing Spatial clarity and differentiating dimensions, planes and diagonals Spatial tension, and the interplay with “weight suspension” in an off-vertical movement sequences Full-bodied investment Focus, presence and performance risk Developing individual artistic range
Syllabus