Beginning Modern Technique
Spring 2003
I. Introductory Information:
A. Department: Music and Theatre
B. Department Catalog Number: DANC100
C. Course Title: Beginning Modern Technique
D. Credits in Semester Hours: 3
E. Contact Hours per Week: 4
F. Restrictions upon Enrollment: None
II. Course Description:
Offering an overview of modern technique styles on the beginning level constitutes the core of this course. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation for dance as a performing art. Through classroom activities the student’s experience, knowledge, and perspective of the creative process of dance will be enhanced. Examination of Pioneer Modern Dancers will increase physical understanding of concepts and objectives of the class. Writing skills will be developed in response to videos, class discussions, research, and live performances.
III. Exposition:
A. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to do the following:
1. Demonstrate a broader understanding of dance as an art form by weaving together elements of technique, space, time, shape, weight, qualities, energies, performance, and individual creativity to offer a holistic approach to Modern Dance.
2. Experience working with others in dance on a creative, supportive, and collaborative level.
3. Gain a healthy sense of awareness of one’s body through modern dance elements and discover the joy of movement.
4. Focus on increased levels of concentration, consideration, control (mind & body), coordination, and creative thinking skills.
5. Demonstrate a sound understanding of efficient alignment.
6. Develop physical stamina, strength, grace, and musicality.
7. Identify verbally and through performance, basic concepts of composition and anatomy and kinesiology.
8. Demonstrate a synthesis of learning and an increasingly aesthetic sensitivity evidenced through examination, essay, journal, and performance formats.
9. Gain a better understanding of dance as an art form and an integral part of society.
B. Activities and Requirements:
1. Students will attend class and participate in all class activities dancing, discussions, and creative problem solving.
2. Students will demonstrate an increased understanding physically and intellectually of proper alignment and kinesiology.
3. Dance writing skills will be developed in response to research assignments, videos, class discussions, and /or live performances.
C. Major Units and Time Allotted: (15)
1. Due to the nature of a dance class, the following concepts will be covered in every class throughout the semester. It is through repetition that students will be able to physicalize an applied understanding of the concepts listed below.
a. Basic alignment
b. Pelvis neutral
c. Pelvic importance in all movement
d. Parallel vs. rotated position of the femur in the
ilio-femoral joint
e. Five basic ballet positions of the feet
f. Head to tail connection
g. Swings in all planes
h. Undercurves in all directions
i. Directionality
j. Flat back
k. High arch
l. Articulation of the meta-tarsals, tarsals, and
phalanges
m. Lateral flexion
n. Sequencing of locomotor steps
o. Coordination of arms and legs
p. Physical demonstration of central initiation
q. Physical demonstration of verticality
r. Diversity in dynamic attack
s. Performance energy
2. Pioneer Modern Dancers to be covered in class.
a. Ruth St. Denis
b. Ted Shawn
c. Isadora Duncan
d. Martha Graham
e. Doris Humphrey
f. Jose Limon
g. Paul Taylor
h. Merce Cunningham
1. Suggested textbooks:
Brown, Jean M., ed. The Vision of Modern Dance. (Princeton: Princeton Book Company, 1979).
Mazo, Joseph H. Prime Movers: The Makers of Modern Dance in
2. Materials and Bibliographic Support:
Brown, Jean M., ed. The Vision of Modern Dance. (Princeton: Princeton Book Company, 1979).
Fitt,
Sally. Dance Kinesiology. (
1988).
Humphrey,
Doris. The Art of Making Dances. (
Rinehart and Winston, 1959).
Laws,
Kenneth. The Physics of Dance. (
1984).
Mazo, Joseph H. Prime Movers: The Makers of Modern Dance in
McDonagh, Don. The Rise and Fall of Modern Dance. (
Outerbridge and Dienstfrey, 1970).
Terry, Walter. Frontiers of Life. (
Terry,
Walter. The Dance in
1971).
The final course grade will be a compilation of grades derived from:
1. Observation of classroom performance, technical assessments, competency, and improvement during the semester.
2. Willingness to risk personal inhibitions and experience a diverse movement vocabulary
3. Student preparation for all assignments.
4. Active participation in all class activities.
5. Completion of all required assignments.
6. Examination scores inclusive of written papers, journals, and research assignments.
Grades will be in accordance with University Policy
V. Rationale and Impact:
This course is designed to provide an intensive training for students in Modern Dance within a college environment. Movement is a common thread that sews all of humanity together. Through the study of dance, one can learn to observe, analyze, document, synthesize, and integrate both theoretical and applied knowledge for a better understanding of self and others as one develops as a total being. This course is based on a sound anatomical and kinesiological base for movement and will present dance within a cultural and historical context. This course will serve as a foundation course for building a Dance Minor and eventually a Dance Major at Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania. It will enhance the curriculum of the university by providing another avenue of learning in the fine arts.
Staff and materials are available. Alternative locations for this class until a space is designed and built, include Price Performing Arts Center or Rogers Gymnasium.
Funding for an accompanist will be needed. Common fees would be $15 an hour or $20 a class for such services of a professional musician. This could also serve as a work study position for a music major on campus.
This course is expected to be offered every semester.
VII. _____________________________________ __________________
Approval of University President Date