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 3

• Unit Code

  DAN3225

• Year

  2021

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  25

• Full Year Unit

  Y

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  

• Unit Coordinator

  Mr Justin Niels RUTZOU

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Description

This unit offers practical technique classes at an advanced level of physical and conceptual understanding of the fundamental technical principles in contemporary dance with allied study of duo, repertoire and improvisation. Class will be structured to challenge students to broaden their range and vocabulary. The importance of daily class in maintaining and developing strength and improving facility is emphasised. Classes promote the understanding and application of safe dance practices. 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 exposure to diverse performance environments locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from DAN2125

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded AWD2202

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Achieve and perform complex movement sequences involved varied spatial patterns and dynamics.
2. Analyse their own and others' modes of impulse and response.
3. Articulate at an advanced level of detail the principles of alignment and functionality involved in the exercises.
4. Attain advanced experience in the range of styles and approaches of contemporary dance.
5. Attain an advanced knowledge of the mechanics of partnering.
6. Confidently use the creative aspects of improvised partnering.
7. Critically research and interpret a variety of solos and/or group work. On completion of the Improvisation element of this unit students should be able to:
8. Demonstrate a high level of concentration, facility and expertise in each section of class work.
9. Demonstrate a practical understanding of a range of expressive, musical, aesthetic and formal aspects of partnering.
10. Demonstrate ability to absorb and execute new combinations quickly.
11. Demonstrate an ability to establish clear personal goals and engage in self-assessment processes that indicate an informed level of critical analysis of the technique.
12. Demonstrate an understanding of choreographic and stylistic nature.
13. Demonstrate increased complexity and diversity in improvisation tasks.
14. Demonstrate the ability to perform a wide range of repertoire at an advanced technical level.
15. Design, set and teach, with an advanced level of detail, classroom exercises using technical terms and describing the functional and meaning-making aspects of the exercise.
16. Display confidence in performance situations. On completion of the Duo element of this unit students should be able to:
17. Execute rhythmic and spatial precision in performance. On completion of the Repertoire element of this unit students should be able to:
18. Expand the potential of improvisation as a choreographic device.
19. Incorporate the use to voice and sound.
20. Perform with a clear sense of personal style while understanding and demonstrating the stylistic differences in a range of contemporary styles and approaches.
21. Receive instructions and follow demonstration with facility and a highly engaged level of embodiment.
22. Sustain extended improvisation in response to a wide range of stimuli.

Unit Content

1. A wide range of contrasting rhythmic and a-rhythmic structures in class work and performance.
2. Complex movement sequences involving: Varied spatial patterns and dynamics, detailed musical phrasing, a high level of embodiment, a variety of more unusual tempos (5/8, 7/8, 5/4)
3. Constructed partnering exercises and repertoire between two or more people.
4. Contact improvisation as a creative tool for choreography.
5. Counterbalance, support, the mechanics of handle manipulation, medium level power lifting.
6. In Contemporary Technique students will engage in: Contemporary dance techniques, which include warm-up, floor work, centre practice, turns, travelling sequences, jumps and warm down at an advanced level.
7. Initiating, directing and performing in both open and structured/ scored improvisations. In Duo the student will extend the understanding of skills in partnering work through the study of:
8. Personal goals - their evaluation and relation to achievement both in the long and short term.
9. Presentation of complex culturally specific rhythmic patterns, eg Indian and Spanish dance.
10. Subconscious creative processes through a variety of movement practices.
11. The analysis of improvised dance through watching, responding, feedback and debate.
12. The application of various modes of expression through written, spoken and movement exploration.
13. The development of a physical awareness and sense of space when articulating movement responses.
14. The development of style and presentation. In Improvisation students will engage in:
15. The function, analysis and qualities of an advanced range of movements.
16. The generation of refined responses that demonstrate an awareness of compositional, spontaneous and energetic choices in relation to the self and others in performance.
17. The learning analysis and performance of selected solos and/or group works from contemporary repertoire.
18. The research and analysis of text, video/film and live performance to assist understanding of style and presentation.
19. Transforming mathematical structures into meaningful musical phrasing and its integration into performance. In Repertoire students will engage in:
20. Various leverage techniques with different body parts, thrust and counter thrust and coordinated timing.

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. Work with guest teachers. Possible work with professional dance ensembles. Classroom tasks & individual assignments. In addition students will be required to attend rehearsals, give performances, attend video sessions and discuss and research work by specific artists.

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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