Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

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

  Contemporary Dance and Allied Techniques 1

• Unit Code

  DAN1025

• Year

  2021

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Mr Justin Niels RUTZOU

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Description

The unit is an introduction to a variety of contemporary dance techniques. Emphasis is placed on understanding the mechanical balance of the skeleton; body awareness, movement efficiency, and correct alignment. These skills are reinforced in daily classes and individually explored through improvisation sessions. Daily training encourages the development of self-reflection and promotes an understanding of safe dance practice. The development of a professional career path is fostered through the choice of current repertoire, exposure to experienced industry practitioners and training in a simulated workplace environment.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Ability to embody basic rhythmic structures and musicality.
2. Absorb and execute new combinations on instruction/demonstration.
3. Analyse dance movement in terms of efficient use of energy.
4. Apply a creative approach to journal writing.
5. Articulate the basic principles of alignment and functionality involved in the exercises.
6. Attain a basic knowledge of improvisation's application to composition techniques.
7. Be physically adaptable to a range of teaching approaches.
8. Demonstrate an ability to respond on the move and in the moment.
9. Demonstrate an expanded movement vocabulary in response to various stimuli.
10. Demonstrate an increased knowledge of body structure, specifically the skeleton and its articulations.
11. Demonstrate an understanding of the potential to change habitual body patterns which restrict the student's efficiency of movement.
12. Demonstrate competency and understanding in each of the sections of class work.
13. Demonstrate physical and conceptual understanding.
14. Develop performance quality in solos and group work.
15. Execute rhythmic and spatial precision in performance.
16. Identify individual structural characteristics which impact on their technical development.
17. Locate in discussion aesthetic and identity issues that arise in relation to the experience of improvising.
18. Perform individuality and presence in the execution of sequences.
19. Understand movement qualities.

Unit Content

1. In Alignment students will engage in: Structures fundamental to postural alignment and movement, ideokinesis to encourage a more efficient mechanical balance of skeletal structure, Neuro-muscular re-patterning through the use of imagery, an introduction to Feldenkrais techniques.
2. In Contemporary Technique students will engage in: warm up, floor work, centre practice, turns, travelling sequences, jumps and warm down, introduction to various contemporary techniques - Cunningham, Graham and Release work techniques, rhythmic structures and how to embody musicality. Correct posture, weight placements and alignment, Movement sequences which move from and into the floor - falls. The practice clear use of shape when moving in physical and dynamic variation sequences. The integration of curves, arches and rotations when executing new combinations, spatial dynamics. A wide range of contrasting rhythmic and a-rhythmic structures in class work and performance, presentation of complex culturally specific rhythmic patterns eg, Indian and Spanish dance. Transforming mathematical structures into meaningful musical phrasing and its integration into performance.
3. In Improvisation students will engage with: The articulation and demonstration of the range of options available to "begin" improvising through watching, initiating and/or responding, the embodiment of energetic concepts in improvisation tasks, response techniques for improvised solos and scored group work, to develop a sense of performance quality. Improvisation skills for choreographic formation at a basic level. Aesthetics and identity and its relation to physical knowledge.

Learning Experience

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECUs LMS

For more information see the Semester Timetable

Additional Learning Experience Information

Practical classes. Group discussions. Video sessions. Classroom tasks and individual assignments. Journals.

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 School Progression Panel.

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