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

  Dance 1

• Unit Code

  MTH1021

• 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 unit addresses at a basic level the technical skills required in the dance forms most frequently used in musical theatre performance - classical dance, jazz dance and tap. In addition, the unit combines singing with movement, as a major requirement in musical theatre performance. Development of teamwork and ensemble performance is also a requirement.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic knowledge of techniques in areas of movement and dance most frequently used in music theatre performance, namely classical dance, jazz dance and tap dance.
2. Demonstrate competence in the techniques required to prepare the body for rehearsal and performance.
3. Demonstrate teamwork as part of an ensemble.
4. Perform at a simple level in all three dance forms studied, i.e. classical dance, jazz dance and tap dance.
5. Perform at an adequate level, a range of songs requiring both vocal and movement/dance skills.

Unit Content

1. CLASSICAL DANCE: A beginner's introduction to the classical ballet class, including Basic Barre work, Centre practice, simple adage and allegro. The class will include the teaching of technical terms used in classical dance.
2. JAZZ DANCE: Basic jazz classes to encourage stretching flexibility and strength of movement through the body. The classes will include warm-up and isolation exercises with simple jazz combinations to develop coordination.
3. MOVEMENT: An exploration of movement for actors.
4. SONG & DANCE: Students will, as a group, learn the vocal lines of a variety of ensemble numbers of different styles (e.g., Waltz, Soft-shoe), then work with a choreographer to add the appropriate dance/movement to each number.
5. STREAMING: In each of the three dance forms studied, flexibility is provided whereby a student will be streamed to an appropriate level according to the capabilities he/she demonstrates in the particular dance form. These are graded Level 1, 2 and
6. TAP: An introduction to basic tap technique with exercises to develop flexibility and looseness of the joints. Classes will, as a group, include simple combinations teaching rhythmic timing with pattern and direction.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Classes and workshops.

Assessment

GS4 GRADING SCHEMA 4 Used for undifferentiated pass/fail 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

• Appignanesi, L. The caberet Studio Vista, Cassell and Collier MacMillan.
• Bufalino, B. Brenda Bufalino's great feats of feet [Video]. American Tap Dance Orchestra.
• Denby, E. (1986). Dance writings. London: Dance Books.
• Driver, I. (2000). A century of dance. Hamlyn.
• Giordano, G. (1978). Anthology of American jazz dance. Illinois: Orion Publishing House.
• Waag, T. (2000). Tap basics! [Video]. American Tap Dance Orchestra.
• Kislan, R. (1987). Hoofing on Broadway - A history of show dancing. London: Simon and Shuster.
• Richardson, T. (1996). Ballet is fun. (CD-rom).
• Royal Academy of Dance. (1993). Step by step ballet class. Australia: Random House.
• Sorell, W. (1967). The dance through the ages. Thames & Hudson.
• Steeh, J. (1982). History of ballet and modern dance. London: Bison Books Ltd.
• Hammond, S. K. (1984). Ballet basics. California: Mayfield Publishing Co.

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