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

  Choreography 1

• Unit Code

  DAN1036

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

An introduction to the basic choreographic elements of space, time, energy and dynamics. The generation and manipulation of individual movement vocabulary. Participation in the development of group and individual composition tasks. 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; customer service and duty of care in public performance environments; engagement with industry partners; building social and cultural confidence via exposure to diverse performance environments locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded AWD1103, DAE1036

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Analyse, discuss and write about choreographic elements in relation to compositional studies.
2. Construct sequences of movement and form sequences into a cohesive whole.
3. Create phrases that show inventiveness in the movement material.
4. Demonstrate an understanding and application of the composition elements of shape, space, time and dynamics.
5. Execute rhythmic and spatial precision in performance.
6. Generate and manipulate individual movement vocabulary.
7. Manipulate movement within a range of compositional structures.
8. Transfer classroom skills to the requirement of production and performance.
9. View, discuss and analyse a range of choreographic work (video and/or live performances).

Unit Content

1. A wide range of contrasting rhythmic and a-rhythmic structures in class work and performance.
2. Choreographic review and analysis including the function of editing.
3. Presentation of complex culturally specific rhythmic patterns, eg Indian and Spanish dance.
4. Structural movement elements that comprise a choreographic work.
5. The analysis of major choreographic works. The use of themes and concepts and the development of those concepts in the work.
6. The analysis of musical form and structure and it's relevance choreographically.
7. The design of solo, duet, trio and group material at a basic level.
8. The role of movement motifs in composition.
9. The use of canon, inversion, accumulation, retrograde and rondo in choreography.
10. The use of props, music and costume design elements in choreography.
11. Transforming mathematical structures into meaningful musical phrasing and its integration into performance.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Practical classes/workshops. Journal. Performances. Video sessions and research. Discussions.

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

• Humphrey, D. (1959). The art of making dances. NY: New York Grove Press.
• Blom, A. (1988). The moment of movement. Pittsburgh, USA: University of Pittsburgh Press.
• Ellfeldt, L. (1988). A primer for choreographers, Prospect Heights, USA: Waveland Press.
• Hayes, E. (1993). Dance composition and production. (2nd ed.). Pennington, USA: Princeton Book Co.
• Winearls, J. (1990). Choreography, the art of the body : An anatomy of expression. London: Dance Books.
• Whitley, A. (1991). A handbook for choreography: A practical guide for choreographers with reference to the negotiation, preparation, creation, care and continuing life of a choreographic work. London: Dance UK.
• Sontag, S., & Francis, R., et al. (1989). Dancers on a plane: Cage-Cunningham-Johns. London, Anthony d'Offray Gallery.
• Siegel, M. B. (1991). The tail of the dragon: New dance, 1976-1982. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press.
• Sanders L. (1993). Siobhan Davies: The development of a choreographic style. Guildford, England: National Resource Centre for Dance.
• Proceedings Society of Dance History Scholars. (1994). Retooling the discipline research and teaching strategies for the 21st century. Riverside: University of California Press.
• Minton, S. C. (1997). Choreography: A basic approach using improvisation. Champaign, Il.: Human Kinetics.
• McKechnie, S. (1996). Choreography as research: Ausdance Forum, (Autumn), 6(1), 8-12.
• Maletic, V. (1987). Body-space-expression: The development of Rudolf Laban's movement and dance concepts. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter.
• Jones, B. T., & Zane, A. (1989). Body against body: The dance and other collaborations of Bill T. Jones & Arnie Zane. NY: New York Station Hill Press.
• Blom, A. (1982). The intimate act of choreography. Pittsburgh, USA: University of Pittsburgh Press.
• Hay D. (1994). Lamb at the altar: The story of a dance. Durham: Duke University Press.
• Foster, S. L. (1996). Corporealities: Dancing knowledge, culture and power. London: Routledge.
• Forsythe, W. (2000). Choreography and Dance, 5(3), 25-40
• Butterworth, J. (1999). The art and science of nurturing dancemakers: Papers from the Greenhouse Effect Conference. Wakefield, England: Bretton Hall College, Centre for Dance and Theatre Studies.
• Butterworth, J., & Clarke, G. (1998). Dance makers portfolio: Conservations [sic.] with choreographers. Wakefield, England: Bretton Hall College, Centre for Dance and Theatre Studies.
• Banes, S. (1994). Writing dancing in the age of Postmodernism. Hanover: University Press of New England.
• Albright, A. C. (1997). Choreographing difference: The body and identity in contemporary dance. Hanover: University Press of New England.
• Smith, J. (1976). Dance composition: A practical guide for teachers. Lucas Books
• Mettler, B. (1980). The nature of dance as a creative art activity. Tucson, Arizona: Mettler Studios Inc.
• Maletic, V. (1987). Body - space - expression. Berlin, Germany: Mouton de Gruyter.
• Humphrey, D. (1959). The art of making dances. Rinehart, New York:

Journal References

• Contact Quarterly
• Dance Australia
• Dancing Times
• Choreography

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