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

  Performance 2

• Unit Code

  DAN2122

• Year

  2016

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  20

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

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Description

This is a professional practice unit providing an enhanced understanding of performance requirements in ballet and contemporary dance utilising the student's organisational, creative, and technical knowledge with concentrated experience in dance training, team work and choreography that culminates in a public performance. The unit is designed to simulate professional activities aiding the transition between the institution and the workplace. The importance of physical, social and cultural sustainability relating to art form 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.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from DAN1022

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded AWD2208

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Clearly interpret the intention of the choreographic work and demonstrate it's artistic and stylistic nuances.
2. Demonstrate a mature and confident contribution to the creative process and performance of an artistic project.
3. Demonstrate a professional work ethic in rehearsals and performance.
4. Demonstrate ability to perform given choreography in the following groupings: solo, duet, trio, quartet and large ensemble groups.
5. Demonstrate appropriate rehearsal practices and procedures and the associated production requirements associated with performance.
6. Demonstrate knowledge of performance skills through public performance.
7. Execute rhythmic and spatial precision in performance.
8. Integrate and transfer technical skills learned in the classroom and apply these to a rehearsal and performance situation.
9. Integrate collaborative and "team" skills and the ability to perform as a member of an ensemble in a variety of settings.
10. Organise and time manage preparation and presentation of work.

Unit Content

1. The works and choreographers selected for production will represent a diversity and range of style. The works selected will represent a balance of existing repertoire and new works that are choreographed on the dancers by staff or guest artists. Normally students will perform in 3 public seasons per year. Each season is a simulated professional experience involving a team of people from production and design. Students will be involved in the research, planning and decision making in all performance preparation and presentation. 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.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Critiques/reviews. Practical classes/workshops. Video sessions and analysis. Rehearsals. Performances. Logs/journals/work books. Discussion.

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

• Brinson, P., & Crisp, C. (1980). Ballet and dance: A guide to the repertory. Great Britain: David & Charles Ltd.
• White, D. R., Friedman, L., & Levinson, T. T. (1993). Poor dancer's almanac: Managing life and work in the performing arts. Durham: N.C, Duke University Press.
• Cohen, M., & Copeland, R. (1983). What is dance? Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Ellfeldt, L. (1971). Dance production handbook. Palo Alto, CA.: National Press Books.
• Lawson, J. (1991). A ballet makers handbook, London: A&C Black Ltd.
• Martin, D. (1982). The dancer's audition book, New York: Sterling Publishing Co.
• Mettler, B. (1980). The nature of dance as a creative art activity. Tucson, Arizona: Mettler Studios Inc.
• Royce, A. (1984). Movement and meaning. Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
• Cooper, S. (1998). Staging dance. London: A&C Black.
• Desmond, J. C. (Ed.). (2001). Dancing desires: Choreographing sexualities on and off the stage. Madison: University of Wisconsin Press.
• Lawson, J. (1991). A ballet makers handbook. London: A&C Black Ltd.
• Martin, D. (1982). The dancer's audition book. New York: Sterling Publishing Co.
• Nagrin, D. (1997). The six questions: Acting technique for dance performance. Pittsburgh, Pa.: University of Pittsburgh Press.
• Tufnell, M., & Crickmay, C. (1993). Body space image: Notes towards improvisation and performance. (1993. ed.). London: Dance Books.
• Buchman, H. (1971). Stage makeup. New York: Watson-Guptill Publications.

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