Dance: Contemporary: Foundations

Introduction to applied practice in contemporary dance. Open to students with no previous dance training. Emphasis on fundamentals of contemporary dance technique and movement mechanics. Includes overview of modern/contemporary dance history and experiential anatomy. Reading, writing, and attending live performances required. May be repeated for credit.

Open to degree and PACE students

DESCRIPTION: This is a studio course in beginner/intermediate dance technique; it’s the right level for students who are beginners, or who have some dance but no contemporary dance training, and/or are entering technique classes in the Dance Program for the first time. Contemporary dance – also called “modern dance” - has historically been individualistic and transgressive, first against societal and aesthetic strictures in the early years of the 20th century, and then in successive reactionary waves throughout the 20th and 21st centuries; there are endless varieties of movement and training. METHOD and ASSESSMENT: The primary method of study is consistent and fully embodied physical/mental participation in the class. A student's success in the course will depend on willingness and ability to develop meaningful understandings of dance training and bring in-depth participation and response in class activities and assignments. Supplements to in-class work: reading, drawing/writing, video and live performance viewing, and a final in-class composition & performance. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: ACTIVE PARTICIPATION - Active participation is being present in mind and body, a curiosity to learn; being consistent, punctual, motivated and willing to take risks; taking responsibility to listen, apply corrections, and synthesize required readings, writing projects, and performance viewing. Respect for the teacher and fellow students is expected. ATTENDANCE: Regular attendance and active participation are required in this course. Please notify instructor if you are beginning this course with any prior health condition that might require you to modify your participation in class. If you sustain an injury during your enrollment in this course, you are required to be present, observe the class, and take notes (paper only). Turn them in at the end of class; otherwise, it will count as an absence. Medical appointment excuses will be handled on a case-by-case basis established by the parties involved. Students are allowed two absences (excused and unexcused) before their grade is affected.