Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Dance History and Analysis

• Unit Code

  DAE1035

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  2

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

Description

The unit addresses the history and philosophical movements of dance including ballet, contemporary and musical theatre. Major contributors to the development of dance are discussed and the links between social and historical factors and these developments are explored.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded AWD1206, DAN1035

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse the nature of western dance forms in terms of class, gender, other political constructs and aesthetics.
2. Demonstrate an imaginative approach to the challenges and difficulties faced by dance practices in currently held social values.
3. Differentiate between the approaches, styles and vocabulary of ballet/modern/contemporary dance choreographers of different periods and within pertinent cultural contexts.
4. Employ techniques of research and analysis in writing a major essay on a defined dance history topic with appropriate referencing of citations and bibliography.
5. Identify the aesthetic characteristics and professional achievements and motivations of selected Australian choreographers.
6. Identify the major contributors to dance and articulate the philosophical premises of their choreography, musical compositions and design elements.
7. Organise and time manage preparation and presentation of work.
8. Research and present an analytical seminar on a chosen topic of the designated curriculum that demonstrates a facility with technical and descriptive language.
9. Write a critically informed and imaginative performance review.

Unit Content

1. A study of current Australian choreographers with particular emphasis on their positioning in national and international (where applicable) contexts.
2. Expression of ideas and concepts in both written and oral formats.
3. Philosophies and practices of pioneers in the main genres of dance and their subsequent lineages.
4. Research, planning and critical decision making in assignment preparation and presentation.
5. The defining characteristics and major influences of romanticism, expressionism, modernism, post-modernism in dance and related art forms.
6. The socio/political/aesthetic trends in the Arts.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Practical workshops, seminars, video analysis, performance analysis, research and discussions, blackboard documents and materials; collaborative group work and discussion; professional reading; independent study.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Journal References

• Dance Australia
• Writings on Dance
• Dance Magazine
• Contact Quarterly
• Contact Quarterly
• 24 Hours
• Dance Research Journal
• Brolga
• The Drama Review

Other References

• Cage, Cunningham & Rauschenberg. The Collaborators, USA, Cunningham Dance Foundation, 1987.
• Feature film, The Red Shoes, UK
• Graham Martha The Dancer Revealed: A documentary USA.
• Hanya Holm Hanya: A portrait of a Pioneer USA Dance Horizons 1985.
• Helpmann. Don Quixote:restored version Nureyev & Aldous, Australia, ABC, 1999.
• Paris Opera. Diaghilev: Petrouchka, Noces, Rose & Faune, France.
• Twyla Tharp, The Catherine Wheel, USA.
• Dancing 3 Dance at Court USA RM Arts 1993.
• Dance of the Century Part 2: American Dance Modern to Postmodernism, USA.
• Bolshoi Ballet The Magic of the Bolshoi Ballet Sleeping Beauty, historical clips, Romeo, Quixote USSR The Entertainment.
• Bergsohn, Harold & Partsch-Bergsohn, Isa. European Dance Theatre: Tanztheater: An Overview of Past and Presence. New Jersey, Dance Horizons Video, 1997.
• Bangarra. Urban Clan, Australia, ABC, 1998, Documentary the Page family U-2208 media.
• Ballets Russes, The Ballets Russes in Australia: An Avalanche of Dancing, Australia, NFSA, 1999.
• Wigman, Mary. When the Fire Dances Between Two Poles, 1983.
• Australian Ballet Premiere Gala: The Deep End/Tankard; Alchemy/Page; Red Earth/Welsh Australia ABC 1996.
• American Ballet Theatre. Gala: Black Swan, Tudor's The Leaves Are Falling, James Kudelka's Cruel World, Nacho Duato's Romanse, MacMillan's Romeo & Juliet, Don Quijote, Tippet's Bruch Violin Concerto USA, 1998.
• Alvin Ailey. 4 by Ailey: Divining (Jamison), Revelations, Cry, The Stack-up (Beatty), USA, NVC Arts 1988.
• The following titles listed are videos. Please check the catalogues 'Dance Videos' and 'Feature Films Videos' at the library desk.
• Balanchine Balanchine Celebration: USA Dance in America 1995