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

  Related Physical Disciplines 1

• Unit Code

  DAN1032

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  5

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

In this unit, students study a diversity of dance styles and related physical practices in such areas as Fencing, Spanish dance, Circus Skills, Tap, Jazz and Indian dance. The studies are designed to complement, support and enrich the core study programs in ballet and contemporary dance. They provide a breadth of training and a level of multi-skilling so essential to contemporary performance. As such the disciplines offered respond to prevailing trends in the industry, most notably from an intercultural perspective which embraces both new approaches to performances and traditional multicultural skills. Currently studies include Yoga, Martial Arts, Indian, Spanish and Aerial. The importance of physical, social and cultural sustainability relating to artform practice and professional career paths is also embraced in this unit through: the choice of repertoire; engagement with industry partners; building social and cultural confidence via eposure to diverse performance environments locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Articulate the basic principles of alignment and functionality involved in the exercises.
2. Build on the acquisition of basic skills in a variety of physical disciplines other than ballet and contemporary.
3. Demonstrate a grasp of the terminology, the history and cultural content basic to the discipline.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of two different disciplines from a range of Spanish, Aerial, Yoga, Martial Arts and Indian Dance.
5. Execute rhythm and spatial precision in performance.
6. Gradually acquire an appreciation of dance forms outside the traditional Western canon of ballet and contemporary.
7. Perform sequences or equivalent performance that demonstrate the particular style of the discipline.

Unit Content

1. A wide range of contrasting rhythmic and a-rhythmic structures in class work and performance.
2. Exercises and sequences demonstrating the embodiment and awareness of the particular dynamics of the discipline: eg the rhythmic footwork and castanet playing required in Spanish dance; the breath driven control and thrusts of martial arts and the swing and suspension rhythms of aerial work.
3. Intercultural nature of the physical experience.
4. Physical attributes common across disciplines.
5. Physical attributes which are discrete to a particular discipline.
6. Presentation of complex culturally specific rhythmic patterns, eg Indian and Spanish dance.
7. Sequences that embody alternative forms of physical coordination and integration.
8. The relationship between concentration and agility.
9. The transfer and application of physical information from one area of physical expertise to another; and understand what is common and what is discrete to each style.
10. Transforming mathematical structures into meaningful musical phrasing and its integration into performance.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Practical classes, demonstrations, classroom tasks and individual assignments.

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.

Text References

• Hill, C. V. (2000). Brotherhood in rhythm: The jazz tap dancing of the Nicholas brothers. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Marranca, B., & Dasgupta, G. (1991). Interculturalism and performance: Writings from PAJ. New York: PAJ Publications.
• Spencer, P. (Ed.). (1985). Society and the dance: The social anthropology of process and performance. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Hong Kong Dance Alliance. (2006). Dance education conference: Imagining the future: Dance education in the 21st century. Hong Kong. Conference Proceedings.
• Wen-shan Huang. (1984). Fundamentals of Tai Chi Chuan, (5th rev. ed.). Hong Kong: South Sky Book Co.
• Charsley, S., & Laxmi, N.K. (Eds.). (2006). Performers and the arts: Folk, popular and classical genres in a changing India. London: Routledge.
• Thomas, H. (1995). Dance, modernity and culture: Explorations in the sociology of dance. London: Routledge.

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