DANC 1212 Practicum/Principles of Choreography

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DANC 1212 Practicum/Principles of Choreography

COURSE DESCRIPTION

DANC 1212 is an introduction to dance composition. Students will learn and execute the fundamentals of choreography.

COURSE CONTENT

This beginning level choreography course will introduce students to both the exploration of the choreographic process and the basic tools used in choreography. Students will learn through improvisations, assignments, class discussions, and the completion of a final piece that will be presented at the end of the term. Journals will also play an important role in the learning process, for they will be a place where each student will record material discussed in class and personal thoughts and reflections on the creative process of choreography. The textbook for the course is The Intimate Act of Choreography, by Blom and Chaplin. Students will also receive handouts that along with the textbook will serve as a source for group discussions. Students are encouraged to read additional books on dance or articles in magazines and newspapers. Good source include The Village Voice, The New York Times, Contact Quarterly, and Dance Magazine. Students are also encourages to attend as many professional dance performances as possible during the semester and participate in the Dance Department Informance and Showcase at the end of the semester.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY

The primary methods of learning for DANC 1212 will be improvisation, individual and group assignments, assigned readings, and the final class project.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1. To explore the choreographic process through class assignments and improvisations.

2. To create and manipulate movement material.

3. To become familiar with choreographic tools.

4. To explore the relationship between form and content.

5. To create and perform movement studies.

6. To observe and discuss movement studies through the use of the Critical Response method.

7. To choreograph and perform a final project at the end of the term.

8. To develop the habit of journaling.

9. To develop and refine the skills of talking about dance.

10. To evaluate and discuss the process of choreographing and presenting a completed dance.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• Consistent attendance and participation in classroom activities, assignments and discussions.

• Bring a journal to every class and make regular entries regarding course material, personal

observations, and thoughts on the creative process. Journals will serve as a means of

communication between the student and instructor and will be turned in on a regular basis.

• Sincere, sustained and dedicated participation and self-motivation in all assignments and activities during the course.

• Openness to feedback, risk taking and personal growth.

• Completion of all choreographic assignments and effective use of time during workdays.

• Completion of reading assignments in the Intimate Act of Choreography.

• Participation in group discussions and use of Critical Response method.

• Creation, rehearsal and performance of a final project to be performed at the end of the semester in the Departmental Informance- Thursday, Dec. 10th at 7pm. You will also be required to attend/participate in the Dance Department Showcase- Friday, December 4th and Saturday, December 5th.

• Attend the Departmental Video Sampler Night and write a one-page reflection on your thoughts after seeing the videos. Thursday, October 8th at 6pm in the Dance Studio.

• Convey an in-depth understanding of your unique choreographic process through a final

“personal process” discussion with the class.

•Wear clothing that is both comfortable to move in and allows the body to be seen clearly. Extra

layers such as sweatpants and sweatshirts are recommended for warmth, as needed.

• Hair must be secured away from the face. Do not wear jewelry or chew gum in class. Only bring

water in closed containers into the dance studio. Other types of beverages are not permitted.

Remove shoes before entering the studio. Cell phones are not permitted in the dance studio.

UNITS OF STUDY

1. Introduction (chapters 1 & 2 in text)

2. Choreographic Elements (chapters 3-7)

3. Providing Feedback through Critical Response (handout)

4. Choreographing Final Projects (Chapter 8)

Choosing a subject/theme

Casting

Choreography

Selecting music, costumes, props

Rehearsals

Deciding on a title

Submitting program notes

5. Presenting a Public Performance

Technical considerations

Rehearsal in performance space

Performance for an audience

6. Evaluation and Reflection

“Personal Process” discussion

EVALUATION & GRADING

Evaluations in DANC 1212 will be based on individual growth, progress, participation in class, and ability to complete the assigned projects. The course grade will reflect the individual commitment and focus to the work each student applies and will be determined as follows:

Progress and Improved Skill25 Points

Studies/assignments and participation in Critical Response sessions25 Points

Final Project25 Points

Personal Process Discussion25 Points 100 Points (total)

SCALE

A90-100 PointsD 60-69 Points

B80-89 PointsF below 60 Point

C70-79 Points

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. DANC 1212 is a participatory class and the success of the class depends upon all students committing to and being involved in the choreographic process. Particularly because this course involves a final performance, students should make every effort to attend each class, arrive on time, and stay for the entire class.

Students who accumulate three unexcused absences may be withdrawn from the course by the instructor. Three points will be deducted from your final grade for each unexcused absence. Excused absences may be granted for the following reasons only:

a) Religious observance approved in advance.

b) Medically-documented illness, at the instructor’s discretion.

c) Other circumstances on a case-by-case basis, at the instructor’s discretion.

If you must miss a class, please let me know in advance. My home/work answering machine is 447-6405 or you can text me at 512-694-1648. Also, be thoughtful of each other when you begin the rehearsal process for your final projects. You will have limited class time to work on these pieces and you will need to schedule rehearsals outside of class. It is important that you are respectful of each other—arrive on time and communicate clearly about schedules and rehearsal times. Be prepared as a choreographer for these rehearsals and be open and present as a dancer.

CLASS POLICIES

Please inform the instructor of any specific needs or physical limitations that may require special accommodations.

The use of physical touch is a routine and beneficial teaching practice in dance classes. Every student has the right to refuse the use of touch. Please inform the instructor immediately if you have specific concerns regarding the use of touch in class.

Students participating in dance class do so at their own risk. As with any physical activity, there is always the chance of personal injury occurring during the normal conduct of dance class. Students are advised to take responsibility is for their own physical and spatial awareness and safety. Neither ACC nor the instructor is liable for any injuries, either legally or financially, if they occur.

Scholastic Dishonesty

Acts prohibited by the College for which discipline may be administered include scholastic dishonesty, included but not limited to cheating on an exam or quiz, plagiarizing, and unauthorized collaboration with another in preparing outside work. Academic work submitted by students shall be the result of their thought, research, or self-expression. Academic work is defined as, but not limited to tests, quizzes, whether taken electronically or on paper; projects, either individual or group; classroom presentations, and homework.” (Student Handbook, 2002-2003, p.32)

Students with Disabilities

Each ACC campus offers support services for students with documented physical or psychological disabilities. Students with disabilities must request reasonable accommodations through the Office for Students with Disabilities on the campus where they expect to take the majority of their classes. Students are encourages to do this three weeks before the start of the semester.” (Student Handbook, 2002-2003,p.14)

Student Freedom of Expression

Each student is strongly encouraged to participate in class. In any classroom situation that

includes discussion and critical thinking, there are bound to be many differing viewpoints. These

differences enhance the learning experience and create an atmosphere where students and

instructors alike will be encouraged to think and learn. On sensitive and volatile topics, students

may sometimes disagree not only with each other but also with the instructor. It is expected that

faculty and students will respect the views of others when in expressed in classroom discussions.

*Students who wish to withdraw from the course must do so in writing at the Admissions and Records Office. Do not assume the instructor will withdraw you from the course.